WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs, a notorious website that sold access to billions of user records obtained from data breaches. Was shut down in January 2020 following a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and security expert Brian Krebs. The site was a hub for cybercriminals to purchase stolen personal information and use it for identity theft, phishing scams, and other criminal activities. This article will explore the details of the investigation and its significance in the fight against cybercrime.
Background on WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs
WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs was founded in 2017 and quickly gained notoriety as a one-stop shop for hackers and other cybercriminals looking to buy user data. The site boasted a database of over 12 billion records, including email addresses, usernames, passwords, and additional personal information obtained from data breaches. Customers could search the database and purchase access to specific documents for as little as $2.
The site’s operators claimed that the information they sold was all public and that they provided a service to help people find and monitor their online presence. However, it quickly became apparent that cybercriminals had illegally obtained most of the data on the site, debunking this argument.
The Investigation
The FBI became aware of WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs’s activities in early 2019 and began investigating the site with the help of Krebs, a well-known security expert who runs the popular cybersecurity blog KrebsOnSecurity. Krebs had previously exposed other significant data breaches, including the Target and Home Depot breaches, and had a reputation as one of the foremost authorities on cybercrime.
Krebs worked with the FBI to gain access to the site and gather evidence of its illegal activities. They found that the site’s operators were actively promoting and facilitating the sale of stolen data and using multiple servers and domains to try and evade detection.
The FBI also uncovered evidence that several high-profile cybercriminals had used WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs to obtain data for large-scale hacks and other criminal activities. In one instance, a group of hackers used data from the site to gain access to the email accounts of several high-profile celebrities and politicians.
The Takedown
In January 2020, the FBI and law enforcement agencies from several other countries coordinated the site’s takedown. Also, they arrested two site operators, a 22-year-old man from Northern Ireland and a 22-year-old man from the Netherlands. Also, authorities charged the two men with conspiracy to commit fraud, identity theft, and computer crimes.
The takedown of WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs was a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime. The site had been a major player in the underground market for stolen data, and its closure disrupted the operations of many cyber criminals. It also sent a message that law enforcement agencies take data breaches and cybercrime seriously and are willing to work together to bring perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
The WeLeakInfo 12b FBIKrebs investigation and takedown were significant achievements for the FBI and Krebs and a blow to cybercriminals worldwide. The site’s closure disrupted the operations of many cyber criminals and sent a clear message that law enforcement agencies commit to fighting cybercrime. Also, this case serves as a reminder that the right tools and expertise can bring down even the most sophisticated criminal operations and that the fight against cybercrime is far from over.
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