LockBit-Linked Hacker Arrested in Kaliningrad

Russian national Mikhail Matveev, known by aliases such as Wazawaka, Uhodiransomwar, m1x, and Boriselcin, has been detained in Kaliningrad. Prosecutors accuse him of creating the Babuk ransomware and deploying other malware, including LockBit and Hive, to encrypt victims’ files and demand cryptocurrency ransoms.

The U.S. government has sanctioned Matveev, estimating the damage caused by his ransomware campaigns at $200 million. His case has been submitted to Kaliningrad’s Central District Court.

Phishing Van with SMS Blaster Found in Bangkok

Thai police discovered a van equipped with an SMS blaster capable of sending phishing texts to Bangkok residents. The device had a range of about 3 km and could send up to 100,000 messages per hour.

Over three days, nearly a million messages were sent, falsely claiming recipients had earned bonus points from the telecom provider Advanced Info Service. Clicking the link led victims to phishing websites that stole credit card details. Authorities have arrested the van’s 35-year-old driver and are searching for at least two accomplices.

FBI Probes Cyber Espionage Targeting Exxon Mobil Critics

The FBI is investigating a long-time consultant for Exxon Mobil over alleged involvement in cyberattacks and data leaks targeting the oil giant’s critics. According to Reuters, DCI Group, a PR firm working for Exxon in 2015, hired an Israeli private investigator to orchestrate hacks against Greenpeace, Union of Concerned Scientists, and other activists.

Victims claim the hacks disrupted preparations for lawsuits against Exxon and other energy firms. Exxon has denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as “conspiracy theories.”

Australia Bans Social Media for Kids Under 16

Australia’s Senate has passed a law barring children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. Violators could face fines of up to 49.5 million AUD (~$32 million). The restrictions are expected to take effect in November 2025.

Companies like Meta and Bytedance have criticized the law, citing concerns about feasibility and potential rights violations.

Major Cybercrime Bust Across Africa

Law enforcement agencies across 19 African countries, in collaboration with Europol, arrested 1,006 individuals linked to cybercrime. The damages caused by their activities totaled $193 million. Crimes included ransomware attacks, corporate email breaches, cryptocurrency scams, and online fraud.