FTC Cracks Down on Location Data Companies for Unlawful Consumer Surveillance
The Federal Trade Commission has taken enforcement action against Gravy Analytics and Venntel for illegally tracking and selling sensitive location data from billions of mobile devices. The companies face strict prohibitions and must delete previously collected data, with potential fines of over $50,000 per violation.
AI Deepfakes Fuel Multi-Billion Dollar Fraud Wave as Scammers Exploit New Technology
Security experts warn that deepfake-enabled fraud could reach $40 billion in losses within three years as scammers leverage AI to create ultra-realistic fake videos and voice recordings. The FBI reports cryptocurrency fraud alone exceeded $5.6 billion last year, with deepfake technology playing an increasing role.
Global Law Enforcement Takes Down PopeyeTools: Major Darknet Marketplace for Stolen Financial Data
U.S. authorities have dismantled PopeyeTools, an eight-year-old darknet marketplace that generated $1.7M from trading stolen financial data and hacking tools. The operation led to three arrests and cryptocurrency seizures, highlighting increased international cooperation against cybercrime.
Chinese Intelligence Agent Gets Prison Sentence in U.S. Espionage Case
A Florida resident has been sentenced to four years in prison for spying on behalf of China's Ministry of State Security. The case highlights growing concerns about Chinese espionage activities in the U.S., with over 55 cases identified across 20 states in recent years.
U.S. Army Soldier Suspected in Snowflake Cloud Data Extortion Scheme
An active U.S. Army soldier stationed in South Korea has been identified as the prime suspect behind multiple data thefts targeting Snowflake cloud storage customers. Operating under the alias 'Kiberphant0m', the hacker remains at large while two accomplices have been arrested in connection with the extortion attempts.
US Authorities Dismantle PopeyeTools Cybercrime Marketplace, Charge Three Administrators
The U.S. Department of Justice has shut down PopeyeTools, a major cybercrime platform trafficking stolen financial data from over 227,000 individuals. Three administrators from Pakistan and Afghanistan face criminal charges for running the $1.7 million illegal operation since 2016.
FBI Charges Five Members of Scattered Spider Gang in MGM Resorts Cyberattack
Federal prosecutors have charged five hackers allegedly responsible for sophisticated phishing attacks against MGM Resorts and cryptocurrency theft. The suspects, including a British national and four US citizens, face up to 27 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy and identity theft.
Scattered Spider Cybercrime Gang Members Face Federal Charges in $11M Hacking Scheme
Five individuals linked to the notorious Scattered Spider cybercrime group have been charged with orchestrating sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting major companies. The group allegedly stole $11 million and sensitive data through SMS-based attacks, with connections to high-profile breaches including last year's MGM Casino ransomware incident.
Russian Ransomware Kingpin Behind $16M Phobos Operation Faces US Charges
A Russian national has been extradited from South Korea to face charges for operating the Phobos ransomware enterprise that targeted over 1,000 organizations globally. The operation, which employed a ransomware-as-a-service model, extorted more than $16 million through cryptocurrency payments.
Chinese Hackers Breach T-Mobile: FBI Warns of State-Sponsored 'Salt Typhoon' Attack
A sophisticated Chinese hacking group has successfully infiltrated T-Mobile's network, prompting a joint FBI-CISA advisory about the national security threat. The cyberespionage campaign targeted multiple US telecommunications providers, potentially exposing sensitive customer data and private communications.