In recent weeks, several major tech companies, including Nvidia and Microsoft, have been targeted by a hacker group called Lapsus$. After thorough investigations, they now believe to have identified the mastermind behind the hackers: a 16-year-old who still lives with his mother. Read the full story here on MeinMMO.
What was hacked? The hacker group Lapsus$ is allegedly behind the hacks on major tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and the cloud account management company Okta.
The hackers apparently broke through the companies’ security barriers very effectively and obtained sensitive data. Internal employees of the companies are said to have been involved, who were compromised by the hackers.
The hackers allegedly extorted the companies, threatening to publish the stolen data if they were not paid “ransom.”
They also pulled off cheeky pranks, such as suddenly appearing in Zoom calls where the hacker attack was being discussed. The hackers showed up there to mock the companies.
According to cybersecurity experts, money and a corresponding notorious reputation are the main motivation for the Lapsus$ hackers.
Investigators catch up with hackers due to their carelessness
How were the hackers found? Understandably, the affected companies have a strong interest in bringing these hackers to justice, and extensive investigations have been launched by cybersecurity investigators.
According to an operation by Microsoft’s security team, which leads the group under the name “DEV-0537,” the hackers have been relatively careless despite their impressive skills. The company reports:
Unlike most of these hacker groups that stay under the radar, DEV-0537 does not seem to cover their tracks. They even go so far as to announce their attacks on social media or admit their intention to buy login credentials from employees of the target organizations.
Who is the top hacker? By following these clues, several hackers have apparently been identified. The alleged leader of the group is said to be a 16-year-old teenager. He still lives with his mother in England.
The boy has not previously attracted police attention. His mother was approached by journalists and expressed her shock over her son’s alleged activities. It is still unknown to what extent local police will take action against the boy.
According to investigators, he is said to be so skilled and fast at hacking that at first he was thought to be a highly advanced bot.
Besides the teenager in England, investigators also claim that at least one other teenager in Brazil is part of Lapsus$. In total, they believe they have identified 7 unique accounts that are attributed to the group.
On their Telegram group, Lapsus$ allegedly stated that they would take a break for now. However, they would return soon with new leaks.
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