Major Cybercriminal Infrastructure Crushed in Global Law Enforcement Operation
A coordinated international cybercrime operation has delivered a devastating blow to infostealer networks, removing over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains from circulation. INTERPOL‘s Operation Secure represents one of the most significant takedowns of cybercriminal infrastructure to date, demonstrating the power of international cooperation in combating digital threats.
Operation Secure: By the Numbers
The four-month operation (January-April 2025) achieved remarkable results:
* 20,000+ malicious IPs and domains neutralized (79% of identified targets)
* 41 servers seized containing over 100GB of criminal data
* 32 suspects arrested across 26 participating countries
* 216,000 victims notified and protected from ongoing threats
* 117 command-and-control servers identified in Hong Kong alone
What Makes This Operation Ground-breaking?
Unlike previous Cybercrime takedowns that focused on single threat actors, Operation Secure targeted the entire ecosystem supporting infostealer malware. This comprehensive approach involved mapping physical networks, identifying server locations, and executing simultaneous takedowns across multiple jurisdictions.
The operation leveraged intelligence from private-sector partners Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro through specialized Cyber Activity Reports. This public-private partnership model enabled law enforcement to identify and neutralize threats with unprecedented precision.
Understanding the Infostealer Threat
What are infostealers? These malicious programs represent a primary gateway for Cybercriminals to access organizational networks. They extract sensitive data from infected devices, including:
* Browser credentials and saved passwords
* Authentication cookies
* Credit card and payment information
* Cryptocurrency wallet data
* Personal and business communications
The stolen data, packaged as “logs,” is traded on cybercriminal marketplaces and frequently serves as the initial access point for ransomware attacks, data breaches, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes.
Key Operational Victories
Vietnam Bust: Vietnamese authorities arrested 18 suspects, including a group leader found with VND 300 million (USD 11,500) in cash and evidence of a corporate account fraud scheme.
Regional Enforcement: Joint operations in Sri Lanka and Nauru resulted in 14 arrests and identified 40 direct victims of infostealer campaigns.
Hong Kong Intelligence Hub: Local police analyzed over 1,700 intelligence pieces, mapping an extensive network of command-and-control servers across 89 internet service providers.
Protecting Your Organization from Infostealers
Following this major takedown, cybersecurity experts recommend immediate protective measures:
1. Credential Hygiene: Implement regular password changes and multi-factor authentication
2. Network Monitoring: Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
3. Employee Training: Educate staff on phishing recognition and safe browsing practices
4. Regular Updates: Maintain current security patches and antivirus definitions
5. Access Controls: Limit user privileges and monitor for unauthorized access attempts
The Future of International Cybercrime Enforcement
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, emphasized the operation’s significance: “Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large-scale harm to both individuals and businesses.”
This success demonstrates evolving law enforcement capabilities in addressing transnational Cybercrime. The coordinated approach, combining intelligence sharing, private sector partnerships, and simultaneous international enforcement actions, establishes a new benchmark for future operations.
Implications for SME Cybersecurity
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent prime targets for infostealer campaigns due to often-limited cybersecurity resources. This operation’s success provides temporary relief but underscores the need for proactive security measures.
Organizations should view this takedown as an opportunity to strengthen their security posture while threat actors regroup and rebuild their infrastructure. The 216,000 victim notifications serve as a stark reminder that no organization is too small to be targeted.
Key Takeaway: While Operation Secure represents a significant victory against cybercriminal infrastructure, the threat landscape remains dynamic. SMEs must maintain vigilant Cybersecurity practices and leverage international law enforcement successes to build stronger defensive capabilities.
