Summary
A major cyber crime operation known as AVCheck has been taken down by European and US law enforcement. This operation was crucial for hackers, allowing them to test their malware against various security tools. Information on the criminals involved was also seized during the operation, including details that may help in future prosecutions.
The Dutch police revealed they exploited errors made by the site’s admins, effectively shutting down the service that provided malware developers with the means to evaluate their malicious software on different antivirus platforms. Besides AVCheck, the associated services Cryptor.biz and Crypt.guru were also dismantled, disrupting significant cybercrime activities.
This international operation marks a notable victory in the ongoing battle against organised cyber crime, as highlighted by Matthijs Jaspers from the Dutch Police High Tech Crime Team.
Key Points
- AVCheck was a significant platform for malware developers to test their software against antivirus programmes.
- The takedown was achieved through a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands, US, and Finland.
- Evidential data collected includes usernames, email addresses, and payment information of cybercriminals.
- Associated sites Cryptor.biz and Crypt.guru have also been shut down, impacting a vital cog in the cybercrime ecosystem.
- This operation builds upon previous efforts, such as Operation Endgame, aimed at dismantling malware distribution networks.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in the ongoing fight against cyber crime and want to understand how law enforcement is tackling these sophisticated global operations, this article’s a must-read! It sheds light on the tactics used by police to outsmart cybercriminals and highlights the vulnerabilities in their systems. And let’s face it, knowing how the bad guys are getting stopped makes for an intriguing read!