Ukrainian police have arrested a 31-year-old hacker accused of infiltrating US and Canadian bank accounts and selling access on the dark web. The suspect allegedly lured victims by offering free software downloads on malicious websites, supported by online advertising campaigns.
The software contained hidden malware that infected users’ computers and phones, allowing the hacker to steal login credentials for Google accounts and online banking systems. Using a Russian phone number, the hacker sold this sensitive data to other cybercriminals in exchange for Bitcoin.
The accused had been active since 2017, accumulating a significant profit. Investigations are underway to identify potential accomplices. The hacker faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Protect Yourself
To avoid similar attacks, experts strongly recommend the following:
- Always download software from official vendor websites.
- Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
- Be cautious of heavily promoted search results.
- Consider using an ad-blocker to reduce risks.
