In a major blow against digital crime, Microsoft joined forces with international partners to dismantle a vast cybercriminal network that used over 2,300 malicious websites to spread the notorious Lumma Stealer malware. These sites were responsible for stealing login credentials, credit card data, and access to cryptocurrency wallets.

The operation, led by Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, was authorized by a federal court in Georgia to disable and seize critical components of Lumma’s infrastructure. Authorities also took control of Lumma’s command system and shut down its marketplace where the malware was being sold to other cybercriminals.

🔹 The international coalition included Cloudflare, BitSight, and Lumen, as well as Europol and Japanese law enforcement agencies, who worked together to shut down Lumma’s local server infrastructure.

Lumma: The Silent Data Thief

Lumma Stealer first emerged on underground forums in 2022 and quickly became a favorite tool among hackers for automated data theft. Between March and May 2025, Microsoft detected over 394,000 infected Windows machines. Criminals used it in phishing schemes—such as fake Booking.com pages—and attacks on gaming platforms, healthcare, logistics, and more.

The malware spreads through malicious emails, browser extensions, and infected files, and once installed, immediately starts collecting and transmitting sensitive data.

Crypto Crime in Numbers: Millions Vanished

🔹 In March, Lumma was used to target educational systems and online gaming communities.

🔹 Chinese printer company Procolored was recently accused of distributing crypto-stealing malware through its official drivers—leading to $953,000 in stolen assets.

Crypto attacks are also becoming commercialized, with ready-to-use tools available via SaaS models for as little as $100, opening the doors to amateur hackers.

According to the FBI, Americans lost over $9 billion to crypto scams in 2024 alone, with seniors over 60 being the most vulnerable. Chainalysis reported global losses of $51 billion, citing the rise of professional criminal rings, cartels, state-sponsored hacking, and AI-powered fraud.

Microsoft Issues a Warning: The Threat Grows

Microsoft warns that crypto theft and data breaches are accelerating, with hackers using increasingly sophisticated tactics—including artificial intelligence and decentralized swapping protocols like THORChain.

But the operation also proves that collaboration between tech firms and global authorities can deliver real results. By dismantling Lumma, Microsoft sends a clear message to the cyber underworld: justice in the digital world is real—and it's swift.



#CyberSecurity , #Malwareattack , #cybercrime , #CryptoSecurity , #CryptoNewss

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!

Notice:

,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“