INTERPOL Disrupts Over 20,000 Malicious IP Addresses in Operation Secure
On June 11, 2025, INTERPOL announced a significant crackdown on cybercrime, revealing the dismantling of more than 20,000 malicious IP addresses linked to 69 variants of information-stealing malware. The initiative, termed Operation Secure, involved a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies across 26 countries. Conducted between January and April 2025, the operation aimed to identify malicious servers, map associated physical networks, and carry out targeted takedowns of illicit operations.
According to INTERPOL’s statement, these collaborative efforts led to the disruption of 79 percent of the identified suspicious IP addresses. Authorities confiscated 41 servers containing critical data exceeding 100 GB, while 32 individuals were arrested in connection with various cyber offenses. Among these, Vietnamese authorities made significant strides, apprehending 18 suspects and seizing devices, SIM cards, business registration documents, and cash totaling $11,500. Further investigations, including house raids, resulted in the capture of an additional 12 individuals in Sri Lanka and two in Nauru.
The coordinated strike highlights the growing global response to the pervasive threat of cybercrime, particularly the exploitation of information-stealing malware that targets personal and organizational data. Operation Secure underscores the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures and the importance of international cooperation in combating these malicious activities.
In terms of the tactics and techniques employed during this operation, several relevant strategies from the MITRE ATT&CK Framework may have been utilized by the adversaries involved. Initial access techniques, such as phishing and exploiting software vulnerabilities, could have facilitated the deployment of the malware. Once inside targeted systems, adversaries might have employed persistence tactics to maintain their presence, ensuring continuous access to sensitive information.
Moreover, privilege escalation techniques could allow cybercriminals to gain elevated access to the systems, enabling more extensive data theft. By mapping out the physical networks, law enforcement was able to address how these malware variants proliferated and to whom they were targeting, further empowering the collective effort to dismantle these criminal infrastructures.
The outcome of Operation Secure serves as a reminder to business owners about the critical need for vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures. With the evolution of cyber threats, understanding potential tactics and implementing robust defense mechanisms is imperative to safeguarding sensitive data against increasingly sophisticated attacks. As this operation demonstrates, collaborative international efforts may serve as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against cybercrime, yet the responsibility also lies with organizations to fortify their defenses in a shared digital landscape.
