Cybercrime Comedy: Miscreants Troll Google, Claim Retirement with ‘Golden Parachutes’
Google confirmed that a fraudulent account was created in its Law Enforcement Request System, but no requests were made or data accessed. Meanwhile, cybercriminals Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claim to retire from their mischief, opting for “golden parachutes.” Experts suggest this might be more of a tactical retreat than a permanent goodbye.
Hot Take:
Google’s LERS portal had a fraudulent account, but no data was accessed. Meanwhile, cybercrime gang Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters announced their “retirement” from ransomware. In other words, hackers are now taking early retirement, but don’t worry, they’re still collecting their pension in Bitcoin!
Key Points:
- Google confirmed a fraudulent account was created in its Law Enforcement Request System (LERS), but no data was accessed.
- Culprits claimed to have accessed Google’s LERS and the FBI’s NICS.
- Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, a coalition of cybercrime gangs, announced their “retirement.”
- Despite announcements, experts suspect the gang might be regrouping, not disbanding.
- Infosec analysts remain skeptical about the gang’s so-called “retirement.”
Google’s Got a Fraudulent Fan Club
Google recently revealed that a fraudulent account had been created in its Law Enforcement Request System (LERS), a portal typically used by police and government agencies to request user data. Don’t worry, though, because even though these cyber scoundrels managed to sneak past Google’s digital bouncers, they didn’t swipe any data. It’s like sneaking into a concert, only to realize you forgot to bring your air guitar.
The Gang’s All Here (And Retiring?)
The fraudulent account is linked to the notorious Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, a cybercrime gang that is basically the Ocean’s Eleven of digital mischief, comprising members from Scattered Spider, ShinyHunters, and Lapsus$. After a spree of digital heists, including attacks on big names like Jaguar, M&S, Co-op, and Harrods, the gang is apparently hanging up their hacking hats. But before you break out the confetti, remember that cybercriminal retirements are about as reliable as a politician’s campaign promises.
Retirement Plans: Bitcoin and Beaches?
In a melodramatic farewell post on Breachforums, the Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claimed they’re “going dark” and praised their arrested comrades as “collateral victims of our war on power.” They then suggested that anyone worried about them should rest easy, as they’ll be enjoying “golden parachutes” courtesy of their ill-gotten gains. It’s like a crime syndicate’s version of a beach retirement, only with more Bitcoin and fewer shuffleboard tournaments.
Cynicism in the Cybersecurity Community
Despite the gang’s retirement announcement, most cybersecurity experts are holding onto their skepticism like a toddler clings to their favorite teddy bear. Karl Sigler, a security research manager at Trustwave SpiderLabs, suggested that the announcement might be a strategic move to dodge law enforcement heat. After all, cybercrime gangs are like cockroaches; they adapt and find new ways to sneak into your digital pantry.
Keep Your Guard Up
While the Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters might be taking a sabbatical, it’s likely they’ll resurface under a different moniker. Cybersecurity is a relentless game of whack-a-mole, where today’s retired hacker is tomorrow’s rebranded threat. So even as they claim to retreat into the shadows, the digital world must remain vigilant, keeping an eye out for the next headline-grabbing heist.
At the end of the day, whether they’re truly retiring or just switching strategies, one thing’s for sure: the world of cybersecurity remains as unpredictable as ever. So buckle up, folks, because the digital rollercoaster shows no sign of slowing down.