Symantec Helps Take Down Global Cybercrime Ring

Research from cybersecurity company Symantec was used to help dismantle the international cybercriminal gang dubbed “Bayrob.”

The findings of a decade-long research campaign were utilized by the FBI for a sting operation that captured three cybercriminals in Romania. The group is accused of stealing up to $35 million through auto auction scams, credit card fraud and computer intrusion. The FBI and authorities in Romania arrested the suspects and extradited them to the U.S. to face charged.

“The Symantec Security Response team responsible for gathering the intelligence that assisted the FBI in this operation has an unparalleled track record when it comes to detecting cybercriminals and their stealthy methods,” Mike Fey, president and chief operating officer at Symantec, said in a statement.

“We expect our success record will continue to grow now that we’ve combined Symantec’s global threat intelligence with Blue Coat. By unifying our threat telemetry, we’re seeing 500,000 additional detections every day to help us get ahead of attacks and defend our customers.”

Symantec’s research uncovered multiple versions of Bayrob malware and collected intelligence data about the threat as it expanded from online fraud to a 300,000+ botnet for cryptocurrency mining.

The company said it gathered insight on infection vectors, malicious programs and exploitation methods, while also learning more about the gang’s victims.