A 31-year-old man has been apprehended by Ukrainian authorities for illicitly accessing and selling bank account information belonging to individuals in the United States and Canada.
The perpetrator, whose identity remains undisclosed, employed a strategy of distributing compromised commercial software at no cost to users of Windows and Android systems, subsequently exploiting this access to victims’ accounts.
Utilizing various websites and advertising campaigns, the individual promoted the availability of “cracked” commercial software, ostensibly for free download and usage. Unbeknownst to users, this software harbored malware designed to pilfer login credentials and sensitive data.
Operating from his bedroom, images accompanying the report suggest the hacker earned hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Utilizing stolen login credentials, the hacker infiltrated victims’ Google and banking accounts. Communication with potential buyers occurred via a telephone bearing a Russian number, with access sold for bitcoin on the dark web.
Though police estimate earnings of at least $92,000, the actual amount likely exceeds this figure. Confiscated items include a luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV valued at approximately $65,000.
While authorities suspect the hacker had assistance, the identities of accomplices remain undisclosed. Investigations aim to uncover their involvement. The hacker faces a potential eight-year prison sentence for violating laws related to money laundering, unauthorized information system operation, and malware creation.
Via BleepingComputer
