A recent operation led by the National Crime Agency in the UK has successfully dismantled two significant Russian money-laundering networks, reportedly processing billions of dollars across more than 30 countries. WIRED gained exclusive access to the investigative details, revealing innovative laundering tactics, including direct cryptocurrency-to-cash exchanges. As the US grapples with the fallout from China’s “Salt Typhoon” cyber espionage campaign targeting its telecoms, two senators have urged the Department of Defense to investigate its failure to safeguard critical communications.
In a related note, Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation, discussed Signal’s mission to provide private, encrypted communication across political divides during a recent event in San Francisco.
In other news, a new tool from iVerify boasts the ability to detect spyware, recently identifying devices infected with the notorious Pegasus surveillance software. Also, privacy advocate Nighat Dad has been working to defend women from digital harassment in Pakistan following her escape from an abusive environment.
The US Federal Trade Commission is currently pursuing data brokers accused of tracking protesters and military personnel unlawfully, although progress may be stymied by the incoming administration. Meanwhile, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is planning new regulations for predatory data brokers.
Amidst these developments, US officials, including those from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI, have recommended that Americans use encryption apps for calls and texts, particularly in light of the significant telecom breaches attributed to Chinese hackers. This guidance marks a dramatic shift from past government positions against encryption, previously seen as facilitating criminal activity.
In Russia, the FSB’s hacker group, known for sophisticated espionage techniques, has been reported to hijack infrastructures of rival hackers, enabling covert spying operations.
Further legal repercussions came this week when Stanislav Moiseyev, the administrator of the Hydra dark web marketplace, received a life sentence for his role in a platform known for significant drug trafficking and money laundering, facilitating over $5 billion in illicit cryptocurrency activities.
Russian authorities also charged software developer Mikhail Matveev, alias "Wazawaka," for his connections to numerous ransomware groups, including Conti and DarkSide.
In a disturbing case of corporate espionage, the FBI is now investigating plans by a lobbying firm hired by Exxon to engage in hacking operations against climate change activists. Reports detail how the firm allegedly subcontracted hacks to private investigators, leading to leaked communications that have been used against the targeted activists.
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