Operation Eastwood: Europol’s Blockbuster Takedown of Pro-Russian Hacktivists
Europol has thwarted the infrastructure of a pro-Russian hacktivist group, NoName057(16), linked to DDoS attacks against Ukraine and allies. Operation Eastwood dismantled much of their server network, leading to arrests and warrants. The group gamified cybercrime for followers, offering cryptocurrency rewards, but now finds its key players on the E.U. Most Wanted list.
Hot Take:
Looks like the NoName gang got a name for themselves after all – “busted.” Europol just pulled a digital Sherlock Holmes on these cyber troublemakers. Operation Eastwood? More like Operation NoMoreName, am I right? With international law enforcement playing a real-life game of whack-a-mole with hackers, it’s only a matter of time before these digital pranksters find themselves out of luck and out of servers.
Key Points:
- Europol’s Operation Eastwood dismantled NoName057(16)’s server infrastructure, leading to two arrests and multiple house raids.
- NoName057(16) is tied to numerous DDoS attacks against Ukraine and its allies, incentivizing attacks with cryptocurrency rewards.
- The operation involved authorities from 12 countries, with additional support from 7 others, showcasing a massive international effort.
- Five Russian nationals connected to the group have been added to the E.U. Most Wanted list.
- NoName057(16) used gamification tactics to recruit and motivate over 4,000 supporters.