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In a significant operation involving international cooperation, Thai and Singaporean authorities have arrested a man suspected of committing over 75 hacks worldwide since 2021. This arrest highlights the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and serves as a reminder of the challenges that law enforcement faces in addressing this global issue.
the Case
A 39-year-old man was arrested on February 26 in Thailand after a joint operation between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The investigation, which began in 2020, was initiated after 11 separate data breach incidents were reported in Singapore. The hacker, who used multiple aliases such as “ALTDOS”, “DESORDEN”, “GHOSTR”, and “0mid16B”, was found to have breached networks, stolen sensitive data, and extorted victims for ransom.
The investigations revealed that these aliases were likely linked to a single individual, who had exploited vulnerabilities in victim networks to carry out these cyberattacks. The hacker is also suspected of selling the stolen data online when the ransom demands were not met. The authorities, however, have not disclosed any additional details about the suspect’s identity or whether he acted alone. In addition to the arrest, various assets including laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles, and designer bags, worth approximately $300,000, were seized from the suspect.
If convicted, the hacker could face severe consequences for compromising the private data of millions of individuals globally and potentially causing immense damage to organizations and individuals alike.
What Undercode Says:
This case underscores a disturbing trend in the world of cybercrime: the increasing sophistication and global scale of hacking operations. The arrest of this individual highlights the growing role of international law enforcement cooperation in combating cyber threats. While this is a significant victory, it is important to note that cybercriminals are often elusive, operating from locations that make it difficult for authorities to track them.
What stands out in this case is the
The exploitation of vulnerabilities in
Ransomware attacks are also becoming more prevalent, and they are not just affecting individuals. Large organizations and even governments are frequent targets of such attacks. The hacker’s ability to demand and potentially receive ransom payments demonstrates the financial incentive that drives these activities. Moreover, the sale of stolen data further fuels this illicit economy, as stolen information can be sold on the dark web for significant amounts of money.
However, despite the severity of the crime, it is essential to consider whether law enforcement can keep up with the evolving tactics and technologies used by cybercriminals. This arrest is a victory, but it serves as a reminder that we are in a continuous battle against a decentralized and ever-evolving threat.
Fact Checker Results
- Validity of the Arrest: The arrest of the 39-year-old man is confirmed, with international cooperation between Thai and Singaporean authorities being central to the operation.
- Multiple Aliases: The use of several aliases by the hacker is consistent with typical hacker behavior, designed to evade detection.
- Seized Assets: The assets confiscated, valued at around $300,000, provide some insight into the financial gain from these cybercrimes.
References:
Reported By: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/hacker-accused-of-at-least-75-massive-data-breaches-arrested-in-thailand
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