Evil Corp Hackers Hunted by the US
Authorities from the United States hunted the Russian cybercriminal group, Evil Corp. US officials indicted its alleged leader and froze the assets of 17 associates.
According to the authorities, the group has netted more than $100 million from companies all over the world. Officials have described the group as one of the most damaging crime organizations in the world.
There is also a bounty worth $5 million for information that could help arrest suspect leader, Maksim Yakubets, a super-car lover.
Technology news outlets have also reported Yakubets customized his license plate to read “thief” in Russian.
US Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski described him as a “true 21st-century criminal.” He then added that Yakubetz “earned his place” on the FBI’s most-wanted cybercriminals list.
Yakubets’ Evil Corp, according to authorities, is behind the family of malicious software, Dridex. This software has victimized banks and businesses since 2011.
It hacks banks and businesses, creating rogue financial transfers that the software eventually sends to the hackers. Over time, it has turned into ransomware.
Is Russia Using Modern Technology Hackers?
US Treasury officials claimed that Yakubets worked for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSS).
This claim highlighted the alleged links between cybercriminals and the Russian government.
The report also said that the cybercriminals stole high-level documents on the Kremlin’s behalf.
One of the Treasury officials even claimed Yakubets applied to the FSB for a license last year.
However, the FBI’s Bowdich said that the Russain government had been cooperative in their request to track the hackers.
Bowdich did not comment on whether Yakubets had any ties with the Russian government. Meanwhile, the FBS was also silent on the subject.
Evil Corp Indictments
Through the use of technology, Dridex targeted smaller businesses and organizations that didn’t have high-level cyberdefenses.
The indictments mentioned incidents in Nebraska and Pennsylvania. However, the authorities said victims spanned the whole US.
Losses amounted to $70 million in the US alone.
Authorities collaborated with cybercrime and intelligence groups. The US Treasury and Department of Justice worked with Britain’s National Crime Agency.
According to Lynne Owens, who is the director-general of the NCA, Yakubets represents the “most significant cyber threat” to the country. He added that he’d put them in the top tier of criminals.
American and British targets were Evil Corp’s favorite. However, the US Treasury also said there were also victims in France, Italy, India, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
