US Dismantled Sophisticated Warzone RAT, Key Operators Arrested

Federal authorities have dismantled a major malware operation, seizing online marketplaces and being involved in its sale and support. 

This international effort targeted a service known as “Warzone RAT,” a powerful tool cybercriminals use to remotely access and steal data from victims’ computers.

Federal authorities in Boston shut down websites used to sell the malware, effectively disrupting their operations.

Indictments were unsealed against individuals in Malta and Nigeria accused of selling the malware and aiding cybercriminals.

Document
Live Account Takeover Attack Simulation

How do Hackers Bypass 2FA?

Live attack simulation Webinar demonstrates various ways in which account takeover can happen and practices to protect your websites and APIs against ATO attacks .

The Accusations

In a joint effort, the Malta Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General of Malta orchestrated a coordinated operation resulting in the arrest of Daniel Meli, 27, from Zabbar, Malta, on February 7. 

The charges include causing unauthorized damage to protected computers, illegally selling and advertising an electronic interception device, and involvement in a conspiracy to commit various computer intrusion offenses.

Nigerian citizen Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, 31, faced indictment for computer intrusion, including gaining authorized access and causing unauthorized damage to protected.

Documents indicate that Odinakachi offered online customer support to users of the Warzone RAT malware.

“Daniel Meli will no longer escape accountability for his actions selling malware,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. 

“This action highlights the FBI’s commitment to disrupting cybercriminal actors and taking down their infrastructure,” said Assistant Director Brian Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division. 

The U.S. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs applauds the vital support of a multinational coalition in dismantling the Warzone RAT infrastructure. 

This collective effort involved the FBI (Boston & Atlanta) and authorities in Malta, Australia, Croatia, Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Romania, and Canada. 

Individuals impacted by a Warzone RAT compromise are strongly encouraged to file a report with the FBI.

Stay updated on Cybersecurity news, Whitepapers, and Infographics. Follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

Threat Actors Manipulate Search Results to Lure Users to Malicious Websites

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and paid advertisements to manipulate search…

8 hours ago

Hackers Imitate Google Chrome Install Page on Google Play to Distribute Android Malware

Cybersecurity experts have unearthed an intricate cyber campaign that leverages deceptive websites posing as the…

8 hours ago

Dangling DNS Attack Allows Hackers to Take Over Organization’s Subdomain

Hackers are exploiting what's known as "Dangling DNS" records to take over corporate subdomains, posing…

8 hours ago

HelloKitty Ransomware Returns, Launching Attacks on Windows, Linux, and ESXi Environments

Security researchers and cybersecurity experts have recently uncovered new variants of the notorious HelloKitty ransomware,…

8 hours ago

RansomHub Ransomware Group Hits 84 Organizations as New Threat Actors Emerge

The RansomHub ransomware group has emerged as a significant danger, targeting a wide array of…

8 hours ago

Threat Actors Leverage Email Bombing to Evade Security Tools and Conceal Malicious Activity

Threat actors are increasingly using email bombing to bypass security protocols and facilitate further malicious…

22 hours ago