Ransomware attacks have caused immense damage to companies worldwide, and now three men have been arrested by Dutch police in connection with the malicious activity. The suspects, aged between 18 and 21, are said to have made millions of dollars in ransom payments, often demanding amounts of 100,000 Euros or more.
The hackers’ victims were not just large companies, but also small organizations and individuals. Tens of millions of pieces of sensitive data are thought to have been stolen, including names, addresses, bank account numbers, passwords, and even passport information. The criminals showed no mercy, even when ransoms were paid, as the stolen data was still sold for profit on dark web marketplaces.
Even more intriguingly, one of those arrested was a member of the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD), a government-backed group of ethical hackers. This group is even being considered for additional funding, in order to bolster the country’s defences against cybercrime. The DIVD has stated that there is no evidence that the suspect abused his access to their systems.
In summary, three men have been arrested in connection with ransomware attacks that have blackmailed thousands of companies. These criminals are accused of stealing tens of millions of pieces of personal information, and even selling it after ransoms were paid. It is also revealed that one of the suspects was a member of a government-backed team of ethical hackers.
Key Points:
– Three men arrested in connection with ransomware attacks
– These criminals have made millions of dollars in ransom payments
– Tens of millions of pieces of sensitive data are thought to have been stolen
– Even when ransoms were paid, stolen data was still sold for profit
– One of those arrested was a member of a government-backed team of ethical hackers