A round-up of this week’s digital forensics news and views:
UK and US cops band together to tackle Qilin’s ransomware shakedowns
In a coordinated response to recent cyberattacks on healthcare systems, UK and US law enforcement agencies have joined forces to combat the Qilin ransomware gang. The Russia-based group, responsible for a devastating attack on Synnovis, a pathology provider for London’s NHS hospitals, has caused widespread disruption and leaked sensitive patient data. The National Crime Agency is leading efforts to remove the leaked information and track down the perpetrators, with support from the FBI. This collaboration comes as Qilin’s activities have expanded to target multiple healthcare organizations across the United States.
SAS war crimes inquiry obtains huge cache of new evidence, BBC reveals
The public inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan has obtained previously deleted data that could provide crucial evidence. The BBC reports that backups of a special forces communications system codenamed “Sonata” have been secured by the inquiry team. These backups are believed to contain information about SAS operations where unlawful killings of Afghan detainees and civilians were suspected. The data had been permanently erased from a server by a UK Special Forces contractor in 2016 during a murder investigation, despite explicit instructions not to tamper with the data. This marks the first time these backups have been accessed by investigators outside UK Special Forces, potentially shedding new light on the allegations and overcoming previous obstacles in obtaining this sensitive information.
15 cybercrime statistics you ought to know
Recent cybersecurity reports paint a grim picture of the global digital landscape, with cybercrime costs projected to hit a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. In the UK alone, half of all businesses fell victim to cyber breaches last year, with phishing attacks emerging as the primary threat. The healthcare sector continues to bear the brunt, facing average breach costs of nearly $11 million. Experts warn of the rising tide of ransomware attacks and the increasing vulnerability of manufacturing and financial industries. As cyber threats evolve at an alarming pace, with attacks occurring every 39 seconds on average, cybersecurity professionals are urging businesses and individuals to bolster their defenses and remain vigilant in the face of this escalating digital menace.
Broward Sheriff Receives $1.5M to Expand Real Time Crime Center
U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jared Moskowitz have announced nearly $1.5 million in federal funding for the Broward Sheriff’s Office to enhance its Real Time Crime Center and Digital Forensics Unit. The grants, revealed at a news conference with Sheriff Gregory Tony, allocate $963,000 for technology upgrades at the crime center, which was established after the 2018 Parkland school shooting. An additional $525,000 will bolster the Digital Forensics Unit’s capabilities in combating human trafficking and child sex crimes.
Ministry rolls out digital forensic services for public
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics has announced the availability of digital forensic laboratory services to government agencies and the public for legal purposes. Director of Application Control, Teguh Arifiyadi, explained that users can access these services by submitting a simple request letter detailing their needs. The lab, which meets ISO 17025 international standards, offers services ranging from verifying the authenticity of digital conversations to examining digital devices and recovering data. While some services are provided free of charge, others require payment based on the complexity and duration of the examination. The facility, capable of processing up to 500 pieces of evidence annually for judicial purposes, aims to support legal proceedings by providing reliable digital evidence analysis.
The AI revolution in forensics: Catching criminals in the digital age
As our digital footprints expand, traditional digital forensics methods are becoming inadequate. This shift has catalyzed the integration of artificial intelligence into forensic practices, equipping law enforcement with advanced tools to efficiently analyze vast amounts of data. However, this advancement also raises significant ethical concerns, challenging professionals to maintain a balance between innovative crime-solving techniques and fundamental privacy rights.
Bloomington Police Detectives Honored by Indiana State Police for Excellence in Cybercrime Investigations
The Bloomington Police Department (BPD) has received the 2023 Indiana ICAC Task Force Affiliate of the Year award from the Indiana State Police for their outstanding efforts in combating internet crimes against children. BPD detectives investigated 168 cybercrime complaints involving children in 2023, with 130 originating from National Center for Missing & Exploited Children cybertips. Their work resulted in 53 court orders, 172 search warrants, numerous digital forensic examinations, and 13 arrests. The award was presented to Detective Kevin Frank, Detective Jon Muscato, Sergeant Cody Forston, and Lieutenant Lucas Tate during a ceremony in Indianapolis. Chief Michael Diekhoff commended the team’s dedication and professionalism in protecting the community’s children, expressing pride in their recognition by the Indiana State Police.
Read More (The Bloomingtonian)
APWG 2024 Cybercrime Research Conference Extends Submission Deadline to July 7
The 19th annual Symposium on Electronic Crime Research (APWG eCrime 2024), due to be held in Boston from September 24-26, has extended its deadline for peer-review submissions to July 7th. The conference, themed “Taking Back Cyberspace from the Cybercrime Plexus,” aims to address the escalating challenges of cybercrime. It will feature presentations from industry leaders, researchers, government officials, and cybersecurity professionals. The symposium will cover a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence in cybercrime, cryptocurrency-related crimes, and emerging attack methods.
Australian Man Charged for Fake Wi-Fi Scam on Domestic Flights
An Australian man has been charged with orchestrating a sophisticated “evil twin Wi-Fi attack” on domestic flights and in airports across Australia. The 42-year-old suspect allegedly set up fake free Wi-Fi access points mimicking legitimate networks to capture personal data from unsuspecting victims. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating in April 2024 after an airline reported suspicious Wi-Fi activity during a flight. The man was arrested in May after authorities seized his electronic devices. He faces multiple charges, including unauthorized impairment of electronic communication and possession of personal financial information, with a potential maximum sentence of 23 years in prison.
