The United States has seized the notorious cybercrime forum, LeakBase, in a recent international crackdown. The DOJ announced on the 3rd of March that the operation had become one of the largest online forums where cybercriminals traded stolen data and hacking tools.
According to investigators, the forum had more than 142,000 registered members and another 215,000 messages exchanged between users. The platform was accessible on the open web and operated mainly in English.
Officials said LeakBase hosted a very huge archive of hacked databases linked to high-profile cyberattacks. These databases contained hundreds and even millions of stolen account users’ credentials.
Source: Justice.gov
During its time of operation, many users were able to buy and sell sensitive information taken from companies and individuals. The data reportedly included credit and debit card numbers, bank account details, routing information, usernames, passwords, and other personal or business records that could be used to carry out cyberattacks.
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Law enforcement agencies from 14 countries carried out coordinated actions against the forum on the 3rd and 4th of March. The crackdown was organized through the European law enforcement agency Europol and took place in The Hague.
Authorities said the United States and its partners shut down the website, seized its database, and took control of two domains used by the platform. Officials also posted seizure notices on the forum’s pages and sent warning messages to all the users.
Global Effort to Crackdown on Other Cybercrime Networks Like Leakbase
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the takedown shows how international cooperation can dismantle key cybercrime platforms. He also added that the authorities will continue working with global partners to protect personal and financial information from criminal groups.
They also noted that by removing platforms like LeakBase, it helps prevent further cyberattacks on businesses and individuals.
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