Ukraine’s cyberpolice recently arrested a 25-year-old developer of a remote access trojan (RAT) malware that had infected over 10,000 computers.
The malware was disguised as game applications, and the offender had real-time access to 600 infected computers.
He could download files, steal credentials, drop additional payloads, install or delete programs, snap screenshots, and intercept sound or video from the computer’s microphone and cameras.
After collecting data, he accessed his victims’ accounts to steal “electronic funds.”
It is unknown whether the attacker targeted computers in other countries or limited himself to Ukrainian victims.
The police provided no details about how the hacker distributed the malware other than as game applications. The attacker now faces criminal charges for unauthorized interference with the work of information (automated), electronic communication, information and communication systems, and electronic communication networks, with a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment.
Despite Ukraine’s conflict with Russia since February 2022, the country has shown remarkable resilience in combating cybercrime and maintaining law and order within its borders.
Its police force has been working hard to tackle a wide range of cybercrimes, including disinformation botnets, ransomware operators, and complex cyberattacks on government and energy infrastructure organizations.
During the raid at the suspect’s house, the police confiscated the equipment used to carry out the malicious acts.
