Fraud Management & Cybercrime, Ransomware Operation Checkmate Disrupts Major Russian-Speaking Ransomware Group Mathew J. Schwartz (euroinfosec) • July 28, 2025 The BlackSuit dark web leak site as of July 24, 2025. In a significant international effort, Operation Checkmate has dismantled BlackSuit, a ransomware group responsible for leveraging ransom demands that…
Four Arrested in £440M Cyber Attack on Major Retailers Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods
Jul 10, 2025
Cybercrime / Ransomware
The U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) announced on Thursday the arrest of four individuals linked to cyber attacks against prominent retailers including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. The suspects, consisting of two 19-year-old men, a 17-year-old male, and a 20-year-old woman, were apprehended in the West Midlands and London on charges relating to the Computer Misuse Act, blackmail, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime. All four were arrested at their residences, and their electronic devices have been confiscated for forensic examination. Their identities have not been released. Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, emphasized that “since these attacks occurred, our dedicated cybercrime investigators have been working swiftly, making this investigation a top priority.” He stated, “Today’s arrests mark a significant advancement in our efforts.”
Four Individuals Arrested in £440M Cyber Attack on Major UK Retailers On July 10, 2025, the U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) announced the arrest of four individuals in connection with a substantial cyber attack that targeted prominent retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. The suspects, two 19-year-old men,…
Four Arrested in £440M Cyber Attack on Major Retailers Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods
Jul 10, 2025
Cybercrime / Ransomware
The U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) announced on Thursday the arrest of four individuals linked to cyber attacks against prominent retailers including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. The suspects, consisting of two 19-year-old men, a 17-year-old male, and a 20-year-old woman, were apprehended in the West Midlands and London on charges relating to the Computer Misuse Act, blackmail, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime. All four were arrested at their residences, and their electronic devices have been confiscated for forensic examination. Their identities have not been released. Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, emphasized that “since these attacks occurred, our dedicated cybercrime investigators have been working swiftly, making this investigation a top priority.” He stated, “Today’s arrests mark a significant advancement in our efforts.”
Data Breach Exposes Vulnerabilities in Political Party Cybersecurity in Australia In a striking revelation, over two years prior to the recent data breach of Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots and United Australia parties, the Australian federal government had been alerted about the significant cybersecurity risks facing political organizations. These parties,…
In a significant development in the fight against cybercrime, law enforcement agencies globally have successfully dismantled critical online infrastructures associated with the BlackSuit ransomware group. This enforcement action, part of the coordinated initiative dubbed “Operation Checkmate,” has disrupted the group’s operations, particularly their data leak and negotiation platforms. Victims encountering…
Fraud Management & Cybercrime , Healthcare , Industry Specific Healthcare Sector Targeted by Ransomware Group Interlock, Emerging Since 2024 Marianne Kolbasuk McGee (HealthInfoSec) • July 23, 2025 Image: Interlock U.S. officials have raised concerns about the ransomware group Interlock, which has recently targeted a variety of sectors, notably healthcare, using…
Business Continuity Management / Disaster Recovery, Cryptocurrency Fraud, Fraud Management & Cybercrime Alpha Wellness Announces Permanent Closure Following ‘Devastating’ Cyberattack Marianne Kolbasuk McGee (HealthInfoSec) • July 22, 2025 Image: Alpha Medical Centre A small medical provider in Georgia, Ascension Health Services LLC, operating as Alpha Wellness and Alpha Medical Centre,…
Recent Ransomware Attacks Result in Additional Business Closures In a concerning trend within the cybersecurity landscape, two more organizations have succumbed to the pressures of ransomware attacks, underscoring the escalating risks faced by businesses today. The incidents highlight not only the ongoing prevalence of cyber threats but also the devastating…
Are Hackers Abandoning Ransomware Encryption? A new breach has emerged, attributed to a group now known as World Leaks, which was previously identified as the “Hunters International ransomware gang.” This rebranded entity seems to be forgoing the traditional ransomware element in its data-extortion practices. The shift suggests a tactic aimed…
Episource, a medical billing company affiliated with Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, has reported a significant data breach affecting over 5.4 million individuals in the United States. This incident, which occurred earlier this year, has been classified as one of the largest healthcare data breaches recorded in 2025, as…
