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THE DORTHESIA

Phishing scammers – the bottom feeders of the digital world, the parasites that slither through the vast expanse of the internet, preying on unsuspecting individuals like a virus targeting a weakened host. These digital flea bags think they have mastered the art of deception, employing tactics that would make even the most cunning con artists of yesteryear hang their heads in shame. Let's talk about these insidious creatures who, instead of contributing positively to the online realm, choose to exploit the vulnerabilities of others. The audacity they display is nothing short of infuriating. They concoct elaborate schemes, sending emails that seem like harmless messages from reputable sources – banks, email providers, or hosting services. They play on our trust, using psychological manipulation to trick us into revealing the keys to our virtual kingdoms. Picture this: you innocently check your email, only to find a message that appears to be from your trusted email provider, warning you of suspicious activity. Panic sets in as they claim someone is trying to access your account, and the only way to secure it is by clicking on a link conveniently provided in the email. Little do you know that you're about to step into the web of deception woven by these low-life leeches. Click that link, and you're transported to a meticulously crafted imitation of your email or hosting provider's login page. It's a digital mirage, a wolf in sheep's clothing. The page looks so authentic that you'd swear you've landed on the real deal. Oblivious to the impending danger, you proceed to enter your sacred login credentials, unknowingly handing over the keys to your virtual kingdom to these faceless miscreants. The Drive Behind Digital Parasites What drives these bottom-feeding digital parasites to engage in such nefarious activities? It's a question that boggles the mind. In a world bursting with opportunities to earn a legitimate living online, these scammers opt for the path of deception, showcasing the minuscule size of their moral compass. Instead of contributing to the vast sea of innovation and progress, they choose to ride the coattails of others, siphoning off hard-earned information with no regard for the havoc they wreak on unsuspecting victims. So, Where Do Phishing Emails Most Commonly Come From? The infuriating truth about scam emails has been laid bare by a study from Barracuda Networks, revealing that the dubious honor of being the primary source of these digital nuisances goes to Eastern European countries. Two billion emails were scrutinized in this research, and the disheartening discovery is that the top five countries unleashing phishing attacks with reckless abandon are Lithuania, Latvia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia – all proudly representing Eastern Europe. In a descending cascade of cyber mischief, the next culprits hail from the Americas and Asia: the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Iran, Palestine, and Kazakhstan. While the sheer volume of phishing emails pouring out of certain nations is staggering, the report reminds us that the devil is in the percentage details. For instance, the United States, a prolific sender of 129,369 phishing emails, barely scrapes 0.02% of the overall email torrent. Most countries, according to the report, have a phishing probability of 10% or less, making it a relatively tiny villain in the global email landscape. Adding insult to injury, Barracuda also sheds light on the globetrotting nature of these fraudulent missives. Phishing emails, it turns out, prefer a multi-country itinerary, with 80% of them making pitstops in two or fewer countries, compared to a meager 60% for their benign counterparts. In a twist of irony, major players in the tech realm – Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter – find themselves unwitting accomplices in this nefarious game, unwittingly hosting the highest volumes of phishing emails leveraging their infrastructure. Chris Ross, the Senior Vice President of International Operations at Barracuda Networks, voiced his exasperation, suggesting that while outright blacklisting entire nations might seem absurd, the research could serve as a wake-up call for IT managers and CISOs. He proposed deploying AI-based email security to sift through the digital chaos, flagging anomalies and detecting threats that slip through the cracks of basic email protection. Ross also championed the cause of improving security awareness through training, hoping to fortify organizations against the relentless onslaught of cyber threats in the long run. One can't help but marvel at the irony. In an era where countless avenues exist for legitimate online endeavors – from freelancing and e-commerce to cryptocurrency investments and digital entrepreneurship – these digital fleas decide to devote their time and energy to constructing elaborate ruses. It's as if their cognitive capacities are so limited that they can't fathom the prospect of contributing positively to the digital landscape! The worst part is that, as technology advances, so do the tactics of these online vultures. They adapt, evolve, and refine their methods, making it increasingly challenging to discern between a legitimate email and a cunning phishing attempt. Who do they think they are, invading my sacred email space with their bogus urgency? "Click on this link," they say, "or face the impending doom of your inbox suspension." Oh, please! As if I'm going to fall for that blatant attempt to scare me into submission. Do they really believe I'll be trembling in my virtual boots, desperately clicking away to save my precious inbox? And let's not even get started on the audacity of crafting a webpage that's a carbon copy of my cPanel login. I mean, how dare they mimic the very interface I trust to manage my hosting! It's like a virtual Trojan horse, sneaking into my cyber citadel under the guise of urgency and authenticity. These parasites must think they're so clever, playing mind games with innocent email recipients like me. But here's the thing – I'm not biting. I'm not falling for their phishing expedition. Do they really think I'll just mindlessly surrender my login credentials, like I'm handing out candy on Halloween? News flash, scammers: I'm not your average digital dunce. I've got my wits about me, and I'm not about to let you infiltrate my fortress of security. It's a never-ending game of cat and mouse, and unfortunately, it's the unsuspecting users who find themselves ensnared in the web of deceit. So here's to the parasites of the digital realm, the phishing scammers who thrive on the misery of others. May their schemes be exposed, their digital lairs dismantled, and may they one day realize the futility of their actions. Nice try, but no cigar you goose! I'm not your prey, and my inbox is not your playground. Take your deceitful links elsewhere because this user is not taking the bait! You see, you're up against someone who has fortified their cyber defenses to the max. Do you really think that after all the blood, sweat, and tears I've poured into securing my digital kingdom, I'm going to let you waltz in with your amateur phishing attempts? Think again. Even if, by some stretch of your feeble imagination, I were to entertain the idea of entering my password into your dodgy imitation cPanel login, good luck getting past my two-factor authentication. It's like trying to pick a lock with a spaghetti noodle – not happening. I've got an extra layer of security standing guard, and it's not interested in your cheap tricks. Oh, and did I mention my local and cloud firewalls? Yeah, those are like the impenetrable walls of my cyber fortress, standing tall and strong. You're not breaching that defense. It's like trying to storm the gates of Helm's Deep with a water pistol – futile and laughable. And let's not forget about , my digital bouncer that ensures only the authorized VIPs get past the velvet rope. You think you can just stroll in and cause havoc? Think again. Cloudflare has locked down my login access to a single IP, and you, my friend, are not on the guest list. Cloudflare Even when I send emails, I've got my tracks covered. The sending IP is hidden, wrapped up tighter than a birthday present. You won't find a trace because I've taken the necessary precautions to make sure my digital footprint is as elusive as a ninja in the night. My Personal Message To All Phishing Scammers Alright, listen up, you despicable bottom-feeders, you phishing scam artists. I've got a bone to pick with you, and trust me, it's not going to be a pleasant conversation. You, with your deceitful tactics and predatory schemes, preying on unsuspecting individuals like vultures circling a wounded animal. First and foremost, let's talk about your lack of morals. What kind of person wakes up in the morning and thinks, "You know what sounds like a great idea? Ruining someone else's life for my personal gain!" Your twisted sense of ethics is not only appalling but also a testament to the sorry state of humanity. How do you sleep at night, knowing that you've contributed absolutely nothing positive to the world? And let's not forget your so-called "skills." Oh, bravo, you can send out mass emails, create fake websites, and mimic legitimate organizations. Give yourself a pat on the back for being a tech-savvy leech on society. But let me make something clear – your so-called talent doesn't make you clever or sophisticated; it just makes you a cowardly weasel hiding behind a computer screen. Now, let's talk about the damage you cause. You not only steal people's hard-earned money but also their trust and sense of security. You exploit vulnerabilities, leaving victims in financial ruin and emotional distress. How does it feel to be the cause of someone's sleepless nights, anxiety attacks, and shattered sense of trust in the online world? But here's the thing, despite your pathetic attempts to hide behind the anonymity of the internet, you are not invincible. The long arm of justice is relentless, and as technology advances, so does the ability to track down and prosecute scumbags like you. It's only a matter of time before you're caught in the web you've woven. Dear Phishing scammers, you are the lowest of the low. Your actions are not just criminal; they are a blight on the digital landscape. The internet should be a space for progress, connectivity, and positive change, not a breeding ground for parasites like you. So, do us all a favor – find a more productive use of your time, preferably one that doesn't involve ruining the lives of innocent people. So, to you, Mr. Worthless Waste of Space, and all your phishing accomplices, good luck trying to crack this nut. You've chosen the wrong target, and my cyber defenses are like an impenetrable shield against your feeble attempts. In a world brimming with opportunities, these phishing toss pots choose the path of deception, revealing the true extent of their intellectual shortcomings. In the grand tapestry of the internet, let them be nothing more than a footnote – a cautionary tale for those who dare to navigate the virtual waters.

Phishing Scammers – The Bottom Feeders Of The Digital World

What do you do when you get a text message from someone you don’t know? You probably just ignore it, right? Well, what if it said that your debit card was being used for fraudulent purchases, and you had to act immediately before the thief struck again? And to fix your new problem, you only have to click a little link. Would you click it? If you said yes, then you may be a prime target for social engineering. Keep reading to figure out how this devious technique works and why you should never click the link. What is Social Engineering? Social engineering is the process of someone hacking into your brain through emotional manipulation. This tactic is implemented by skilled fraudsters who understand and take advantage of human behaviors and psychology. Social Engineering is designed to manipulate people into making security mistakes and giving up confidential information without the victim even knowing what’s going on. The 3 Main Traits of Social Engineering Every story based around social engineering is different, but you’ll find at least one of the following traits used in almost every case. In some of the most successful social engineering attacks, you’ll find all three. 1. Trust Even though scammers are doing a dumb thing by trying to scam you, they’re not dumb people. They know that you know that the internet is full of fraud. Scammers understand that for social engineering to work, they must gain your trust. This is usually done by impersonating a trusted source, such as your bank, Amazon, Pay Pal, your electric company, or even . Best Buy’s Geek Squad Typically, this is done by spoofing the company’s number or using the company's logos in an email. Once a fraudster has your trust, they can get you to do almost anything. 2. Elevated Emotional State A fraudster's goal is to get you to make an irrational choice that will lead them to your personal information. Getting you into an elevated emotional state is an excellent way of using your own brain against you. The most used emotional state that scammers use is typically a mix of anger and fear. For example, a scammer may send you a text claiming that someone swiped your credit card number and they’ve just bought half of an Apple Store. If the text looks real enough, your brain will instantly become red hot, making you wish you could choke whoever stole your credit card number. At the same time, you’ll instantly be afraid that the thief might buy out the other half of the Apple Store with your card, which makes you want to deal with this problem as quickly as possible. Another typical state of emotion that a scammer might try to put you in is excitement. Have you ever gotten one of those pop-ups claiming you just won a PS5? You may have closed the pop-up right away, but others will let the sense of excitement flood their brain, opening themselves up to an attack. 3. Urgency Fraudulent texts and emails are often written as urgently as possible. A scammer doesn’t want you to think too long about the actions they’re trying to make you take. The longer you take to think about it, the more likely it is for you to snap out of your emotional state of mind. Here’s an example of an urgent scam: There are two lines here that lay the urgency on thick: They give an exact date, which is usually the current date or in a few days. The line “otherwise the account will be locked.” For someone in a heightened state of emotion, this line is guaranteed to get them to click on a fake link or call a fake number. The 4 Main Types of Social Engineering Attacks Before understanding how to avoid a social engineering attack, it’s important to know where these attacks most often occur. Here are the four most common ways a social engineering scammer will try to get you: 1. Phishing Emails & Texts This is perhaps the most common way scammers try using social engineering on you. In most cases, a phishing email or text using social engineering will appear as if it’s from a ￼ reputable￼ company, say something that will get you mad or scared, and then urgently push you into clicking a link or calling a number. These types of emails can slip right past your spam filters and should be ignored at all costs. 2. Spear Phishing Emails & Texts Spear phishing attacks are very similar to regular phishing attacks but with one major difference. Where phishing attacks are usually sent out as a mass spamming spree, with the intent from the scammer to hit as many people as possible, spear phishing attacks target you specifically. ￼ A spear-phishing email or text will look like the example above but with your name or other details included to present more credibility. To send a spear phishing email or text, a scammer skilled in social engineering will do as much research into your personal details as possible. This research is usually done with your social media pages, so don’t be fooled by an email just because it has your name on it. 3. Baiting Emails and Texts Baiting is also similar to phishing and spear-phishing, but with a different tactic when it comes to tricking you. The tactic involves trying to get your information by offering you something for free or at a reduced cost. A baiting email or text will look something like this: A baiting email or text is designed to play on your curiosity. If you click the provided link, malware will infect your system, and your computer or phone will be compromised. Some have even been baited and . scammed via Zelle 4. Pretexting Pretexting is when a fraudster impersonates an authority figure￼ in order to trick you into giving up your information. This can be in the form of a bank official giving you a call or an “Amazon worker” sending you an email. Just because someone says they are who they say they are doesn’t mean it’s true. How Can You Protect Yourself From Social Engineering? Although there are many ways to protect yourself from social engineering, here are the two key ways to shield yourself from any mental-based attack. 1. Be a Skeptic Don’t just believe the first claim you read. Ask yourself as many questions as you can think of. “Is this email really from my bank?” “Would someone really give a $1,000 gift card out for free?” “Is this offer too good to be true?” When it comes to texts and emails from strangers, never believe and always doubt. 2. Slow Down The goal of the scammer is to trip you up as much as possible. To get you to make a mistake because you want to solve your “problem” as quickly as possible. Even if the message you receive says that all of your money has been taken out of your bank account, don’t act right away. Take a second and breathe. Think to yourself that the message is most likely a scam, then verify through official means (like calling your bank). More Tips on How to Avoid Social Engineering Although the two tips above are enough to keep you safe from these types of attacks, here’s a quick list of secondary tips just in case. If you feel like a tempting offer is actually real, then do a quick Google search to verify its authenticity. Use spam filters. They’re not 100% perfect, and some scam emails will get through, but it’s still a good idea to have that basic layer of protection. Don’t click on any links you see from an unverified email or text. It’s not worth the potential malware that could be downloaded to your device. Keep your personal information to yourself. Revealing sensitive information to strangers on the internet is a recipe for getting scammed. Remember that legitimate sites and businesses will never ask for your password. Ask yourself, “Would my friend actually send this to me?” Final Thoughts The best defense against social engineering is awareness. You'll be prepared to handle the attack as long as you know that the threat is out there. Just remember to be skeptical of every offer you see and always stay calm so you can make the right decisions.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Social Engineering in a World Full of Fraud?

¿Cómo puede protegerse de la ingeniería social en un mundo lleno de fraude?

Comment pouvez-vous vous protéger contre l’ingénierie sociale dans un monde plein de fraude ?

धोखाधड़ी से भरी दुनिया में आप सोशल इंजीनियरिंग से खुद को कैसे बचा सकते हैं?

詐欺が横行する世界でソーシャル エンジニアリングから身を守るにはどうすればよいでしょうか?

Como você pode se proteger da engenharia social em um mundo cheio de fraudes?

Làm thế nào bạn có thể tự bảo vệ mình khỏi kỹ thuật xã hội trong một thế giới đầy lừa đảo?

在充满欺诈的世界中，如何保护自己免受社会工程的侵害？

Keeping backups is an essential part of cybersecurity, especially considering how ransomware attacks are on the rise. Still, it’s not as simple as copying files — a practical approach is more in-depth. How should individuals approach data security? Most Effective Backup Techniques Threat actors are constantly trying to find ways to bypass new security measures. In the United States, instances of ransomware in 2022. What backup techniques are the most effective to prevent them from being successful? cost organizations over $34 million 1. Automate the Process Regularly backing up information can quickly become time-consuming, which deters many people from keeping a consistent schedule. As a result, they may have less protection during hacking or ransomware incidents. Luckily, automation techniques can speed the process up significantly. While the easiest way to do this is to get software or utilize artificial intelligence, it’s possible to go without either option. For example, someone to conduct rolling backups, automatically updating everything after a set time passes. Since it removes the potential for human error, it ensures the resulting copy is accurate and comprehensive. could use a hard disk drive Most cloud service providers support automation processes, so utilizing their storage systems is another effective technique. Additionally, people using this method benefit from keeping their information current. They also don’t have to remember to copy files, ensuring they always have a recent version available if something goes wrong. 2. Create Multiple Backups It’s not enough to have a single backup. In an extreme and unfortunate mishap, Kyoto University lost after accidentally overwriting its only copy of its research. It attempted a restoration after a corruption error, which is when it realized its catastrophic mistake. In total, the incident affected 14 separate research departments and their respective projects. 77 terabytes of data Having multiple backups is essential to ensure situations like this don’t happen. Plus, on top of protecting files in cases of hardware failure, it makes data inconsistencies instantly recognizable. Basically, managing everything becomes much more straightforward. 3. Increase Backup Frequency While occasional backups are better than nothing, backing things up more frequently is ideal. Following a routine can because it minimizes the chance of data loss. It keeps everything up to date, which is essential when dealing with sensitive files. protect the information’s integrity Although there is no standard backup frequency, most experts , whether hourly, weekly, or monthly. Regular updates help keep everything intact, which is crucial — there’s no point in having a copy if it’s incomplete or broken. recommend sticking to a schedule How to Protect Your Backups Protecting backups should be a top priority for anyone. After all, they’re essentially the last security resort in a cyber attack. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s more important than ever to increase security. 1. Backup Offline According to the World Economic Forum, the globe experienced in 2021. In the digital age, keeping things offline is the only way to stay completely safe from hackers. People who work with sensitive information are often justifiably concerned about its security — there’s no guarantee a data breach won’t affect a cloud service provider or company storage systems. a 125% increase in cyber attacks Surprisingly, a USB stick may be the solution to their concerns. While it isn’t the most modern solution to data storage issues, it’s still one of the best options for most people. It enables them to perform offline backups — effectively securing their information from cybercriminals. Still, even professionals forget to back things up manually. Automation solves this issue because it maintains a proper schedule to ensure information protection. However, such software typically has to run on a system with an internet connection, defeating the point of offline backups. In response, versions of this technology , essentially shielding it from hacking attempts. automate the storage device’s ports 2. Keep Things Offsite According to a cybersecurity report, target backups to prevent the target from recovering. Keeping files offsite can ensure they stay safe in such situations. Even if cyber criminals break past defenses and hold data hostage, they still won’t be able to attack external storage systems. around 93% of intrusions Hackers can’t alter, remove or maliciously encrypt anything if they can’t even access it in the first place. For example, say they breach a company’s security and demand a ransom to return files safely. Their threat would be meaningless if there were copies safe in the cloud. Storing information in a secure external location is a practical and effective practice. 3. Have Malware Detection Some backup software comes with malware detection capabilities to keep cyber attacks from being successful. For example, a ransomware protection feature can attempts. It monitors for unusual activity and deploys security measures in response, essentially acting as a safety net. recognize and stop malicious encryption Early detection can be beneficial, considering it's possible to accidentally reinfect data when installing executables from a backup. In that scenario, the chances of recovery would be slim. Built-in antivirus software is a simple solution to a significant issue. Since ransomware can become executable if someone unbundles a backup during the recovery process, preventing the initial infection is crucial. Technology that can recognize an impending cyber attack can significantly enhance security. With the rise of cybersecurity incidents, preventative action is essential. 4. Diversify Backups Backup diversification is one of the most essential techniques people should follow. It ensures that data stays secure in the case of a successful cyber attack, which is an ideal outcome. Plus, it’s relatively easy to put into practice. The 3-2-1 backup rule is a simple and practical approach to information security. It follows the logic of data diversification, or system failure. It involves creating three initial copies — one primary and two secondary. Additionally, it requires utilizing two kinds of storage devices. One should stay offsite to keep it safe during a hack. minimizing the effect of loss While consistently updating everything and ensuring its integrity may be tedious, it’s generally worth it. Usually, most people appreciate the level of security this method grants when it saves them from significant data loss. 5. Have Immutable Storage Immutable storage might not be foolproof, but it’s an effective solution to information security issues. It holds data in a “Write Once Read Many” state, where or remove files from the backup. It’s one of the most common approaches. no one can make alterations It's one of the best methods since threat actors generally can’t overwrite or maliciously inject anything. In addition to preventing ransomware attacks, it also protects against human error — no individual can accidentally alter or delete data. Secure Your Backups How can people make sure their backups are secure? While it may take effort, the process is simple. Basically, they only need to update multiple copies to keep their information safe frequently. Effectively backing up files is essential in the digital age, especially with ransomware attacks on the rise. These practical techniques can ensure people protect themselves.

8 Effective Strategies For Protecting Your Backups

আপনার ব্যাকআপ রক্ষা করার জন্য 8টি কার্যকরী কৌশল

8 effektive Strategien zum Schutz Ihrer Backups

8 estrategias efectivas para proteger sus copias de seguridad

8 stratégies efficaces pour protéger vos sauvegardes

आपके बैकअप की सुरक्षा के लिए 8 प्रभावी रणनीतियाँ

バックアップを保護するための 8 つの効果的な戦略

백업을 보호하기 위한 8가지 효과적인 전략

8 estratégias eficazes para proteger seus backups

Yedeklemelerinizi Korumak İçin 8 Etkili Strateji

8 chiến lược hiệu quả để bảo vệ các bản sao lưu của bạn

保护备份的 8 个有效策略

Spinning Silk: Embracing the Chaos of Web3 🕷

স্পিনিং সিল্ক: Web3 এর বিশৃঙ্খলাকে আলিঙ্গন করা 🕷

Seide spinnen: Das Chaos von Web3 umarmen 🕷

Spinning Silk: Abrazando el caos de Web3 🕷

Filage de la soie : embrasser le chaos du Web3 🕷

कताई रेशम: Web3 🕷 की अराजकता को गले लगाते हुए

Spinning Silk: Web3 の混沌を受け入れる 🕷

Spinning Silk: Web3의 혼돈 수용 🕷

Spinning Silk: abraçando o caos da Web3 🕷

Spinning Silk: Web3'ün Kaosunu Kucaklamak 🕷

Quay tơ: Ôm lấy sự hỗn loạn của Web3 🕷

纺丝：拥抱 Web3 的混乱 🕷

The Crash That Brought the Shadow to the Light. On the morning of July 5, 2017, a gray Toyota Camry turned into the cul-de-sac of a neighborhood in Bangkok in a subdivision on the western edge of the city. A driver makes a miscalculation on a 180-degree turn and accidentally causes a collision with a front gate on a model home and real estate office. The driver exits the vehicle obviously upset about the event and needs to speak with the owner of the model house about the accident. After a significant time elapsed, Alexander Caze surfaced from his home to discuss the collision at the front gate of his home. As Alexander Caze made his way to have the conversation with the person in the vehicle, the FBI stormed the property arresting Alexander Caze aka “Alpha02” aka “Admin online” the owner of the Dark Web marketplace AlphaBay. Riches to Wretchedness. Alexander Cazes was just 25 and the CEO of EBX Technologies, a company that offered website creation services for businesses. Or at least that is what Alexandre Cazes said when someone asked about his occupation. According to Cazes’s father, Alexandre was a computer genius who started his own web design business at 17, had a high IQ, AND specialized in everything from web development to encryption services. While still a teenager, Cazes was believed to have started his first company, EBX Technologies, selling computers and helping small businesses set up their websites. His IT presence was clear to see; authorities traced Alexandre as far back as 2008, posting advice on a tech forum on how to remove a virus from a digital photo. Cazes grew up near Montreal and his family said he was a genius. In the shadows, Alexandre was the alleged mastermind of AlphaBay. According to publicly available information on AlphaBay prior to its takedown, one AlphaBay staff member claimed that it serviced over 200,000 users and 40,000 vendors. Around the time of the takedown, there were over 250,000 listings for illegal drugs and toxic chemicals on AlphaBay, and over 100,000 listings for stolen and fraudulent identification documents and access devices, counterfeit goods, malware and other computer hacking tools, firearms, and fraudulent services. Comparatively, the Silk Road dark web marketplace, which was seized by law enforcement in November 2013, had reportedly approximately 14,000 listings for illicit goods and services at the time of seizure and was the largest dark web marketplace at the time. . All Wrongdoing can be Traced to an Excessive Attachment to Material Wealth Alexander Cazes biggest vulnerability turned out to be his penchant for bragging about his newly acquired wealth and status. Alexandre Cazes claimed his worth was about $23 million US, including $12.5 million in properties and vehicles, and the rest in cash and cryptocurrencies. Cazes's assets seized by the U.S. government included $6.6 million Cdn in Bitcoin, $2.4 million in Ethereum, $622,000 in Monero, and $980,512 in Zcash. He had at least 11 bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts registered in his name or his wife's name in Thailand, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Beyond cash, Cazes had a taste for luxury vehicles, including a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador, a Porsche Panamera, a Mini Cooper, and a BMW motorcycle. He had three properties in Bangkok, and a vacation property in Phuket, Thailand. Subtle Clues That Were Not So Subtle. Alexandre Cazes lived a seemingly quiet life for more than a year with his Thai girlfriend in a middle-class neighborhood on the outskirts of Bangkok, but the flashy cars he drove stood out. All in an area where people drive pickup trucks and children tool around on plastic tricycles, and there was the nearly $1 million, metallic gray Lamborghini, a Porsche, and then the Mini Cooper for his girlfriend. Nothing except expensive cars, which were completely out of place in the neighborhood where homes cost less than $120,000. The neighbors thought Alexandre Cazes worked in the hotel business. neighbor, who asked not to be named because the case involves crime, said Cazes rarely left the house before noon. She said she got her first good look at him one day when he was outside, trying to photograph a monitor lizard that had crawled out of a deserted field nearby. “We smiled at each other, that’s it,” she said. One Whispers in the Dark That Awoke a Giant. Alexandre Cazes believed that crypto’s anonymity would protect him but just as crypto had opened new markets for the criminal world, it opened up opportunities for law enforcement. According to U.S. government documents, Cazes had an estimated net worth of around $23 million. This wealth was diversified across real estate in Thailand, Cyprus, and Antigua, luxury cars, and liquid assets such as cash and cryptocurrencies. Specifically, $12.5 million was invested in properties and vehicles. At its height, daily sales ranged between $600,000 and $800,000 across 300,000 listings for illicit goods, offered by over 40,000 vendors and viewed by some 200,000 users. Alexadre’s activity with AlphBay led to a police operation shutdown called “Bayonet”, which involved authorities in six countries including the FBI, the Dutch National Police, and the Royal Thai Police. AlphaBay’s Simple Mistakes From a Brilliant Mind. Alexandre Cazes made mistakes and one was with his personal email. Once new users joined the forums and entered their private email accounts, they were greeted with an email directly from AlphaBay welcoming them to the forums. The email address “Pimp_Alex_91@hotmail.com” was included in the header information of the AlphaBay welcome email. Searches for that email led investigators to forum posts by accounts with the same online handle Cazes used on AlphaBay, Alpha02. They eventually tracked down Cazes’ full name and LinkedIn account, which listed him as affiliated with EBX Technology, a company that investigators suspected was a front for AlphaBay. Alexandre Cazes had registered a PayPal account tied to bank accounts held in his name as well as the EBX Technologies business name using the "Pimp_Alex_91@hotmail.com" email account. Also, in 2008 a post to a French-language online tech forum "www.commentcamarche.com" by user "Alpha02" included the name "Alexandre Cazes" and the Hotmail address. The administrator of AlphaBay, notably, had used the username "Alpha02" before changing it to "Admin." To Encrypt or Not to Encrypt…That Is the Question. When the police, aided by the FBI and DEA, raided Alexandre Cazes's home, they said he was using a PC that was logged into AlphaBay as "Admin." The laptop was also found opened and unencrypted - revealing that Alexandre Cazes had been communicating with an AlphaBay data center, revealing the day-to-day operations as well as with AlphaBay users, and numerous passwords to AlphaBay servers and other infrastructure. A Tragic End And a Snake in the Grass. Alexandre Cazes was being held in a cell at Bangkok's Narcotics Suppression Bureau and, just hours before he was due to meet prosecutors for talks over his extradition to the US, was found dead of an apparent suicide. Alexandre Cazes did not run AlphaBay singlehandedly. He worked closely with a “security administrator” and second in command known as , or simply “DS” for short. DeSnake Sometime after the takedown of Alpah Bay and the death of Alexandre Cazes, posted on a popular dark web forum to announce the relaunch of AlphaBay and a dedication to Alexandre Cazes aka “alpha02.” DeSnake

Riches to Wretchedness: The Fall of Alexandre Cazes and the Resurrection of AlphaBay

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Let me tell you about the so-called "win" in a cyber sanction against a , the alleged mastermind behind the in Australia in 2022. hacker like Russian citizen Aleksandr Ermakov Medibank private data breach Australia has used its recent cyber powers for the first time, targeting Russian national Aleksandr Ermakov due to his purported participation in the Medibank data breach. As indicated in the sanctions notice, Ermakov, born in Russia on May 16, 1990, was identified by various aliases such as Alexander Ermakov, GustaveDore, aiiis_ermak, blade_runner, or JimJones. The breach, occurring in 2022, led to unauthorized access and compromise of millions of Australians' personal data, including sensitive medical information, following the hacking of Medibank's network. Sure, it's been hailed as a victory that he's banned from entering the country and its citizens are restricted from certain interactions with him, but let's dissect this so-called justice and ponder if it's anything more than a symbolic gesture. Firstly, let's rewind and acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Ermakov and his cohorts managed to gain unauthorized access to the basic personal information of a staggering 9.7 million individuals in Australia. That's not a small-scale breach; it's a violation of privacy on an enormous scale. The victims are left to deal with the aftermath, potentially facing identity theft, financial fraud, and a host of other personal and financial troubles. So, when justice is sought, it should be more than just window dressing. Now, let's address the elephant in the room – extradition. Realistically, when dealing with a hacker based in Russia, the chances of successful extradition are slim to none. Russia has a notorious reputation for harboring , and international law enforcement agencies have struggled for years to bring such individuals to justice. So, crossing extradition off the list is a bitter pill to swallow when considering true justice. cybercriminals So, what's left in the arsenal of justice against Ermakov? We have a name and a face, and yet the tangible consequences seem limited. Banning him from entering Australia and restricting interactions with its citizens might feel like a slap on the wrist, but does it truly address the magnitude of the damage caused? It appears more like a diplomatic move than a robust pursuit of justice. What would constitute a real win in this scenario? Well, for starters, it would involve more than just a travel ban and restricted interactions. It would require a concerted international effort to hold Ermakov accountable for his actions. This could involve diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and collaboration with other nations to ensure that he faces consequences beyond the borders of Australia. Moreover, there should be a focus on strengthening cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to prevent such breaches in the future. Punishing the perpetrator is one thing, but preventing the crime from happening in the first place is equally crucial. The international community needs to unite in its efforts to combat cybercrime, share intelligence, and implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard individuals' data. While the current sanctions against Ermakov may provide a semblance of justice, it's essential to question the effectiveness of such measures in truly holding cybercriminals accountable. The fight against cybercrime demands a comprehensive, global approach that goes beyond symbolic gestures and addresses the root causes and preventative measures to protect a nation. Anything less is just a half-hearted attempt at justice in the vast and intricate playground of cyber warfare. The hackers still roam free. The tale sign footprints left behind by Ermakov and enabling his identification indicates a momentary lapse in caution but also sets the stage for a thrilling chase between a wily fugitive and the . ASD

How Can We Call Cyber Sanctions Against A Russian Hacker A Win?

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