CriticalRansomware
FBI Arrests Executive at Ransomware Negotiation Firm
Krebs on Security·Source published ·1 min read
What happened?
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday arrested an executive at a Canadian cybersecurity firm in connection with an investigation into the ShinyHunters hacking group that recently relieved the FBI of sensitive data on thousands of agents, multiple sources tell KrebsOnSecurity. The New York Times reported today that the FBI has arrested a Canadian man in Pennsylvania on suspicion of assisting ShinyHunters. The Times story did not identify the man, nor did a statement on Twitter/X about the arrest from FBI Director Kash Patel.
Key details
- FBI agents arrested a Canadian executive at a cybersecurity firm in Pennsylvania on Thursday.
- The arrest is linked to the ShinyHunters hacking group that stole sensitive FBI data on thousands of agents.
- The suspect's company specialized in ransomware negotiations with cybercrime groups.
- Federal court records show Edward Dobrovsky was arrested on cyber extortion and conspiracy charges.
- The case was moved to the Eastern District of Texas, now the epicenter of the ShinyHunters investigation.
- ShinyHunters has extorted more than $70 million from victims this year according to the FBI.
Affected
- Canadian cybersecurity firm Cypfer identified as biggest sponsor of the conference the suspect attended.
What to look for
- ShinyHunters uses phishing and stolen credentials to siphon data from SaaS companies.
- ShinyHunters threatens to publish stolen data unless ransom is paid.
- Dutch police arrested convicted cybercriminal Pepijn van der Stap in connection with ShinyHunters investigation.
- Rey identified as teenager Saif Al-din Khader, detained and cooperating with FBI.
Summarised by SecOraLens from Krebs on Security. Always read the original source before acting. How SecOraLens verifies advisories.