A round-up of this week’s digital forensics news and views:
Operation Endgame: Coordinated Worldwide Law Enforcement Action Against Network of Cybercriminals
In a groundbreaking international effort called Operation Endgame, the FBI, along with law enforcement agencies from over a dozen countries, conducted coordinated actions to dismantle criminal cyber infrastructure responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in global damages. Starting on May 28, 2024, the operation involved searches, arrests, and the disruption of over 100 servers, successfully neutralizing multiple malware variants that had infected millions of computers worldwide, including critical infrastructure services.
How digital forensics are changing the cyber claims landscape
In the third installment of a four-part series hosted by Intelligent Insurer, the discussion centers on the evolving role of digital forensics within cyber incident response (IR) plans. Featuring insights from four industry experts during a virtual panel, the report highlights how digital forensics is crucial in shaping the landscape of cyber claims, offering strategic advice and perspectives on integrating these technologies effectively to manage and mitigate cyber risks. This convergence of expertise underscores the increasing importance of digital forensic capabilities in enhancing cybersecurity measures and claims handling.
Read More (Intelligent Insurer)
Mastercard Opens Center to Combat Cybercrime in Europe
Mastercard has launched a new center in Europe dedicated to enhancing the region’s capabilities in combating cybercrime. This initiative reflects a growing focus on bolstering digital security and fraud prevention across the continent. The establishment of this center is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to foster international collaboration in cybersecurity, aiming to address and mitigate the complexities of cyber threats effectively. This move underscores the importance of proactive measures in the fight against digital fraud and the protection of sensitive information in the increasingly interconnected global landscape.
London hospitals declare critical incident after service partner ransomware attack
A ransomware attack on Synnovis, a pathology lab services provider, has significantly disrupted services at several London hospitals, particularly affecting blood transfusions and leading to the cancellation of some elective surgeries. The incident, declared a “critical incident” on Tuesday, has impacted Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts, and primary care services in southeast London. While emergency care remains available, the full extent and duration of the disruption are still unclear as IT experts work to assess and mitigate the impact on patients.
Staying Ahead In DFIR: Embracing Continuous Education And Professional Development
In the rapidly evolving field of Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), continuous learning is critical. This article emphasizes that professionals must stay current through various means—industry conferences, professional associations, online communities, formal education, online training, vendor certifications, and mentorship—to maintain their effectiveness in the face of fast-paced technological advancements and sophisticated cyber threats.
Europol and US seize website domains, luxury goods in $6bn cybercrime bust
In a major international crackdown led by Europol and supported by US authorities, a coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of four high-value suspects linked to a $6 billion cybercrime network. The operation, described as the largest of its kind, led to the shutdown of over 100 servers and the seizure of more than 2,000 internet domains. Additionally, luxury goods were confiscated as part of the efforts to dismantle the extensive cybercriminal operations. The successful bust underscores the growing effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling sophisticated cybercrime schemes.
Ban Ransomware Payments, Say Desperate Cybercrime Fighters
Cybersecurity expert Allan Liska advocates for banning ransom payments to hackers. Speaking at SleuthCon, he argues that while a ban might harm some companies, it’s the “least bad option” given that current practices haven’t stopped the surge in attacks, which netted criminals over $1 billion last year. The idea is gaining traction in Washington and the UK, although it faces pushback due to fears it might drive payments underground and concerns about its impact on sensitive data protection.
Togo to Set Up Single Center to Fight Cybercrime
Togo is launching a unified entity to centralize its fight against cybercrime as part of its 2024-2028 national cybersecurity strategy. This new center will merge existing efforts from various national forces and focus on enhancing digital forensics through scientific research and training. The initiative aims to bolster the country’s response to cyber threats, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs by consolidating resources and expertise. This strategic move also includes significant emphasis on developing advanced cybercrime fighting techniques and raising cybersecurity awareness.
