Law Enforcement Takes Down Two Largest Cybercrime Forums in the World
Summary:
Europol, in coordination with law enforcement from eight countries, successfully dismantled the world’s two largest cybercrime forums, Cracked and Nulled. Together, these platforms boasted over 10 million users and served as hubs for cybercrime discussions and marketplaces for illicit goods, including stolen data, malware, and hacking tools. Law enforcement estimates that the two platforms generated around EUR 1 million in criminal profits. During the operation, which took place from January 28 to 30, authorities arrested two suspects, searched seven properties, and seized 17 servers, over 50 electronic devices, and approximately EUR 300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency. Additionally, 12 domains linked to Cracked and Nulled were seized, along with the takedown of related services, including Sellix, a financial processor used by Cracked, and StarkRDP, a hosting service promoted on both platforms and operated by the same suspects.
Security Officer Comments:
With cybercriminals offering tools and infrastructure on platforms like Cracked[.]io and Nulled[.]to, this has enabled less-skilled adversaries to carry out attacks without much hassle. These two platforms in particular made cybercrime more accessible by sharing security vulnerabilities and offering tutorials on creating malware and engaging in other illegal activities. Additionally, the platforms offered AI-driven tools and scripts to automate vulnerability scanning and enhance attacks.
While the recent operation is a success for law enforcement, it’s unlikely to put an end to the cybercrime-as-a-service model. Given the ever-evolving nature of the cybercrime landscape, it won’t be long before new platforms emerge to replace Cracked and Nulled. Cybercriminals are often quick to establish alternative sites and services that continue to facilitate illegal activities. The demand for cybercrime tools and services remains high, and as long as there is a market, these platforms will continue to reappear, often under new names or with enhanced security measures to avoid detection. This persistent cycle underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and coordinated international efforts to disrupt these criminal networks.
Link(s):
https://www.europol.europa.eu/media...s-down-two-largest-cybercrime-forums-in-world
Europol, in coordination with law enforcement from eight countries, successfully dismantled the world’s two largest cybercrime forums, Cracked and Nulled. Together, these platforms boasted over 10 million users and served as hubs for cybercrime discussions and marketplaces for illicit goods, including stolen data, malware, and hacking tools. Law enforcement estimates that the two platforms generated around EUR 1 million in criminal profits. During the operation, which took place from January 28 to 30, authorities arrested two suspects, searched seven properties, and seized 17 servers, over 50 electronic devices, and approximately EUR 300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency. Additionally, 12 domains linked to Cracked and Nulled were seized, along with the takedown of related services, including Sellix, a financial processor used by Cracked, and StarkRDP, a hosting service promoted on both platforms and operated by the same suspects.
Security Officer Comments:
With cybercriminals offering tools and infrastructure on platforms like Cracked[.]io and Nulled[.]to, this has enabled less-skilled adversaries to carry out attacks without much hassle. These two platforms in particular made cybercrime more accessible by sharing security vulnerabilities and offering tutorials on creating malware and engaging in other illegal activities. Additionally, the platforms offered AI-driven tools and scripts to automate vulnerability scanning and enhance attacks.
While the recent operation is a success for law enforcement, it’s unlikely to put an end to the cybercrime-as-a-service model. Given the ever-evolving nature of the cybercrime landscape, it won’t be long before new platforms emerge to replace Cracked and Nulled. Cybercriminals are often quick to establish alternative sites and services that continue to facilitate illegal activities. The demand for cybercrime tools and services remains high, and as long as there is a market, these platforms will continue to reappear, often under new names or with enhanced security measures to avoid detection. This persistent cycle underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and coordinated international efforts to disrupt these criminal networks.
Link(s):
https://www.europol.europa.eu/media...s-down-two-largest-cybercrime-forums-in-world