The National Police of the Netherlands have successfully gained complete access to all servers used to distribute the infamous malware tools Redline and META, two of the most widely used cybercrime tools on the internet.
These malicious tools, known as infostilers, pose a serious threat to cybersecurity and are typically sold through the Malicious Service Model (Malware-As-A-Service, MAAS). Once infected, these programs target victims’ devices to collect confidential information, bank cards, and auto-filling passwords. The stolen data is then compiled into logs and sold on the darknet to other cybercriminals looking to infiltrate organizations by using leaked logins and passwords.
The Dutch police, in collaboration with the FBI and partners from the USA, Australia, and Great Britain, have successfully neutralized these two infostilers through a coordinated effort known as “Operation Magnus” (https://oporation-magnus.com/). The website dedicated to the operation features a video resembling an advertisement for cybercriminals, teasing the “final update” for Redline and META. This international operation not only granted law enforcement agencies full access to the servers of both malicious programs but also revealed the administrator panels, source code of the harmful software, and the identities of users utilizing these tools.
Additionally, the website includes a countdown timer indicating when new details related to the operation will be released, keeping the public informed about the progress made in combating cybercrime.