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Hackers Hit Russian Bank Customers, Planned International Cyber Raids (reuters.com)

Posted by msmash on from the security-woes dept.

Russian cyber criminals used malware planted on Android mobile devices to steal from domestic bank customers and were planning to target European lenders before their arrest, investigators and sources with knowledge of the case told Reuters. From the report: Their campaign raised a relatively small sum by cyber-crime standards -- more than 50 million roubles ($892,000) -- but they had also obtained more sophisticated malicious software for a modest monthly fee to go after the clients of banks in France and possibly a range of other western nations. Russia's relationship to cyber crime is under intense scrutiny after U.S. intelligence officials alleged that Russian hackers had tried to help Republican Donald Trump win the U.S. presidency by hacking Democratic Party servers. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegation. The gang members tricked the Russian banks' customers into downloading malware via fake mobile banking applications, as well as via pornography and e-commerce programs, according to a report compiled by cyber security firm Group-IB which investigated the attack with the Russian Interior Ministry.

19 comments

  1. What is the world coming to... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Russians stealing from Russians. Putin will have to put his foot down immediately before this becomes a Saturday Night Live sketch.

    1. Re:What is the world coming to... by SuricouRaven · · Score: 1

      He will, I'm sure. Russia has long been a haven for criminals targeting victims outside of the country, but it's a foolish Russian scammer who turns his attentions inwards.

  2. Damn. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Robin Hood lost this round.

  3. Is it OK to steal from foreign governments now? by BigBuckHunter · · Score: 1

    This may seem like an odd question, but is it now OK to steal form international human smugglers, drug czars, money launderers, and criminal organizations? Two decades ago, the answer was a pretty clear "No, it's illegal to steal millions from a Colombian drug czar". Was wondering if this has changed recently.

    1. Re:Is it OK to steal from foreign governments now? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're fucking retarded. You are the one spreading the "disinformation" that NOBODY has been able to show proof of yet, except some journalist saying "The Russians did it!" Thats not proof. Thats an opinion. Almost qualifies as slander.

    2. Re:Is it OK to steal from foreign governments now? by SuricouRaven · · Score: 1

      Such a theft could be justified, but how can you be sure you are ripping off the real criminals and not just another law-abiding bank customer?

  4. Oh dear, arrested in Russia. by Viol8 · · Score: 1

    Lets see how the standard issue "But he has Aspergers and didn't realise the consequence of his actions your honour" excuse will fly over there. Somehow I suspect their life will be a long way from being pleasent in the very near future especially if the oligarch who owns the bank has some friends in the judicial system who owe him a favour.

    1. Re:Oh dear, arrested in Russia. by Nidi62 · · Score: 1

      Lets see how the standard issue "But he has Aspergers and didn't realise the consequence of his actions your honour" excuse will fly over there. Somehow I suspect their life will be a long way from being pleasent in the very near future especially if the oligarch who owns the bank has some friends in the judicial system who owe him a favour.

      Depends who they stole from. If they stole from someone rich and connected they are screwed. If they stole from regular people, well, they might just get offered a job. I'm sure the FSB is always looking for people to add to it's clandestine hacker army.

      --
      The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for it to be pitted against a slightly greater evil
    2. Re:Oh dear, arrested in Russia. by Viol8 · · Score: 2

      Not so sure about that. If the hack trashes the banks reputation then Mr Oligarch loses money and that means BIG trouble for these kids.

    3. Re:Oh dear, arrested in Russia. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ah yes, lest ye tarnish the sterling reputation of Russian oligarchs.

  5. The question now is... by fubarrr · · Score: 1

    How much will the same bank demand from gansters for a cashout?

    1. Re: The question now is... by fubarrr · · Score: 1

      The most impressive thing here is this:

      >After infecting a customer's phone, the hackers
      >were able to send a text message to the bank
      >initiating a transfer of up to $120 to one of 6,000
      >bank accounts set up to receive the fraudulent
      >payments.

      6000 fake bank accounts must cost money even in Russia, moreover if the bank these accounts were in wasn't a fake bank itself

    2. Re: The question now is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Russian Wells-Fargo.

  6. sounds like they forgot rule #1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Rule #1 if you are a russian criminal:
    Don't target Russians

    Targeting Russians is when Russia takes notice and arrests you. As looks to have happened here.

  7. It's really refreshing... by hackel · · Score: 1

    To see Russians targeting their own people again!

    I continue to support exploiting anyone stupid enough to not only click on a phishing scan link, but enter their credentials into a fraudulent site. These people deserve what they get and should not be protected.

  8. Re: Is it OK to steal from foreign governments now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ivan Ivanovich is right, nobody has been able to provide proof of this secret, hidden, undercover operation. Maybe one of the four (count 'em) ongoing US investigations into Russian interference will provide the proof he desires.

  9. Sberbank security by D,Petkow · · Score: 2

    i work with Sberbank and their security is very good. In my opinion it is stronger than a brass monkey's testicles.

  10. Noone Says This by mentil · · Score: 1

    more than 50 million roubles

    You know what they say: more roubles, more troubles.

    --
    Corruption is convincing someone that the selfless ideal is the same as their selfish ideal.