A notorious group of cyber criminals, known as FIN7, has been linked to over 100 attacks on various companies and organizations in the United States between 2013 and 2018. The group reportedly hacked into thousands of different computer systems, stealing a staggering 15 million payment cards and compromising over 6,500 POS terminals in the USA alone.
The stolen data was then sold to third parties on the darknet, according to law enforcement officers. The FBI has identified several companies as victims of the group’s attacks, including major restaurant chains Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Arby’s, Red Robin, and Jason’s Deli.
FIN7’s methods involved sending phishing emails to company employees, tricking them into downloading malware which allowed the hackers to gain access to sensitive information. The group would then use this information to steal payment card data, which was then sold on the darknet for financial gain.
The FBI has been working with law enforcement agencies across the globe to track down those responsible for the attacks. In August of 2018, three Ukrainian nationals, alleged to have been part of FIN7, were arrested in Europe.
The group’s activities have been described as some of the most sophisticated and successful cyber crime operations to date. The effects of their actions have been felt by countless individuals and companies, leading to millions of dollars in losses.