Scattered Spider Hackers Charged: $100M MGM Cyberattack, $11M Stolen, Key Arrests Made
November 20, 2024The FBI has reported that Scattered Spider employs various tactics, including social engineering, phishing, and SIM swapping, and has collaborated with Russian ransomware gangs.
Key figure Joel Martin Evans, also known as 'Joeleoli,' has been linked to the group and was identified through a leaked Telegram server.
FBI investigations traced many phishing domains back to Tyler Buchanan, who was arrested in Spain while attempting to flee to Italy.
The group, known for its phishing and identity theft tactics, is primarily accused of a significant cyberattack on MGM Resorts, which resulted in approximately $100 million in damages.
This operation highlights the increasing threat of phishing attacks, particularly as decentralized assets gain popularity, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures among corporations and crypto users.
Five alleged members of the Scattered Spider hacking group have been charged in connection with a sophisticated phishing scheme that led to millions of dollars in stolen cryptocurrency and sensitive data.
Scattered Spider is suspected of working with the BlackCat ransomware gang, acting as affiliates who infiltrate networks to deploy malware.
An estimated 10,000 individuals may have had their credentials stolen by Scattered Spider, which has reportedly taken over $11 million from approximately 30 victims.
The phishing attacks executed by Scattered Spider were highly sophisticated, making them difficult to detect even against advanced security measures.
Buchanan reportedly possessed substantial cryptocurrency assets worth around $27 million, acquired through SIM-swapping attacks.
Scottish law enforcement arrested another suspect on an unrelated charge, which provided the FBI access to critical digital systems.
Researchers suggest that Scattered Spider may be part of a larger hacker community known as The Com, which could include about 1,000 members.
Summary based on 18 sources
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Sources
Bloomberg • Nov 20, 2024
US Charges Five for 'Scattered Spider' Hacking SpreeMashable • Nov 21, 2024
'Scattered Spider' scammers charged in sophisticated, million-dollar phishing schemeArs Technica • Nov 21, 2024
5 charged in “Scattered Spider,” one of the most profitable phishing scams everKrebs on Security • Nov 21, 2024
Feds Charge Five Men in ‘Scattered Spider’ Roundup