Europol's 'Operation Endgame' Strikes Major Blow to Cybercrime, Prevents Millions in Damages
Europol's 'Avengers Endgame' has dealt a significant blow to cybercrime, with damages from infections amounting to hundreds of millions of euros in Europe. The collaborative effort, led by France, Germany, and the Netherlands, has resulted in the takedown of over 100 servers and the confiscation of more than 2000 domains. Four arrests have been made, with three suspects hailing from Ukraine, a known hub for 'Droppers' - a form of malware serving as an entry point for other malicious software.
The operation, which is ongoing, has targeted a prime suspect who earned at least €69 million in cryptocurrencies by renting out Droppers to ransomware hackers. Europol struck a critical infrastructure of cybercrime by dismantling the droppers, aiming to sustainably halt the spread of malware. Several types of malware, including IcedID, SystemBC, Pikabot, Smokeloader, Bumblebee, and Trickbot, have been taken down. Despite the success, eight cybercriminals remain at large and have been added to 'Europe's Most Wanted' list. Authorities continue to work together to make further arrests and dismantle more droppers and botnets.
Operation Avengers Endgame has shown significant results, with substantial damages prevented and key players in cybercrime apprehended. However, the ongoing nature of the operation underscores the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals. Europol's efforts, in collaboration with European authorities, are crucial in maintaining a robust response to this evolving threat landscape.
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