A round-up of this week’s digital forensics news and views:
Potent youth cybercrime ring made up of 1,000 people, FBI official says
A senior FBI official recently disclosed the existence of a substantial and elusive cybercrime ring comprised of around 1,000 young individuals. This group has been implicated in several major security breaches. U.S. authorities are now advocating for enhanced information-sharing efforts to tackle the activities of this widespread cybercrime network effectively.
6 Facts About How Interpol Fights Cybercrime
Interpol combats global cybercrime through a multifaceted approach that includes gathering and analyzing data from law enforcement and the private sector. Its Cybercrime Threat Response generates crucial threat advisories and assessments, while the Cyber Strategy and Capabilities Development focuses on enhancing international collaboration and training. Additionally, the Cybercrime Operations unit is pivotal in coordinating law enforcement efforts and executing takedowns of compromised infrastructures, playing a critical role in maintaining global cyber security.
Cops Are Just Trolling Cybercriminals Now
Law enforcement agencies are employing psychological tactics to disrupt cybercriminal activities, notably by sowing uncertainty and fear amongst hackers. This strategy seems to be effective, as evidenced by the reduced return of LockBit affiliates to their platform after a significant law enforcement action in February. Cybercriminals are highly aware of these law enforcement activities and often discuss them on forums like XSS, where they express concerns and caution about becoming too visible or frivolous with information, fearing repercussions on their own operations. This new approach marks a sophisticated evolution in the fight against cybercrime.
County Lines drug gang leader jailed after skilful work by digital detectives
Musa Njie, the leader of a County Lines drug gang operating between Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire, was sentenced to 7 years in prison after detectives used digital forensics to link him to a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs from December 2020 to March 2021. The Nottinghamshire Police continues its efforts to tackle organized drug crime and County Lines operations exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Read More (Nottinghamshire Police)
He taught cops how to fight crypto crime. Now he’s accused of running a $100 million dark web drug market
Lin Rui-siang, recently a lecturer on cryptocurrency and cybercrime for the St. Lucia Police, is now facing allegations of operating a dark web drug marketplace worth $100 million. The accusations extend beyond the drug trade to include attempts at blackmailing users of the site and providing guidance on circumventing anti-money laundering measures. This case highlights the alarming potential for individuals with expert knowledge in digital forensics and cryptocurrency to exploit their skills for illicit activities.
LockBit dethroned as leading ransomware gang for first time post-takedown
Following the National Crime Agency’s takedown of the LockBit ransomware gang, the group has seen a significant decrease in activity. In April, LockBit was responsible for 23 attacks, a 60% drop from its previous operations, confirming law enforcement’s impact. Competing groups Play, Hunters, and Ransomhub have now surpassed LockBit in the number of attacks. Additionally, inconsistencies in LockBit’s claims were highlighted as several supposedly new victims had been previously reported in December 2023.
Portsmouth university cybercrime centre and Almaty police academy announce tie-up
The University of Portsmouth has recently fortified its position as a leader in cybercrime and cybersecurity through a new partnership with the Almaty Police Academy in Kazakhstan. This agreement marks the first collaboration between the Almaty Police Academy and a UK academic institution, focusing on both education and research in the field of cybercrime and cybersecurity. This initiative will enhance the capabilities and understanding of cybercrime challenges and solutions on an international scale.
Read More (The Business Magazine)
Police NSFs to fight cybercrimes and scams under new Cyber Police vocation
In Singapore, a new initiative has been launched where Police full-time national servicemen (NSFs) will now serve as cybercrime operators within the police force. This new Cyber Police vocation is designed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement in addressing the increasing challenges posed by cybercrimes and scams. These NSFs will work alongside seasoned police officers, leveraging their specialized skills to combat digital crimes more effectively. This strategic move aims to bolster the nation’s defenses against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
African Union strengthens investigation capabilities on virtual assets and cybercrime
The African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) is proactively enhancing its capabilities to address cybercrime, particularly in the realm of virtual assets. In partnership with INTERPOL, AFRIPOL has initiated training sessions for law enforcement officials across African Union member states. These sessions, held from May 20th to May 30th, 2024, in Mauritius, focus on equipping officials with advanced investigative tools and knowledge to tackle the increasing complexities of transnational organized crime and cyber threats effectively.
