Darkode’s Digital Reign

Darkode is an online criminal organization operating within a password-protected forum. It is a hub for international hackers and cybercriminals to develop, buy, sell, trade, and share hacking tools, information, and ideas. The vetting process consists of established members inviting prospects to present what they could bring to the organization, such as their skills or products. They have allegedly used these means to infect computers and electronic devices worldwide with malware, gaining global control.

Thomas Kennedy McCormick, pseudonym "Fubar," an administrator at Darkode, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. Arrested on December 10th, 2018, McCormick took a guilty plea two years later on March 3th 2020. His investigation needed international aid; the FBI conducted it with assistance from EC3, Europols Cyber Crime Center, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, and Scotland Yard. He was indicted on racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and bank fraud charges. These indictments encompassed conspiracy to commit bank, wire, and access device fraud, identity theft, hacking, and extortion. Lastly, he was also hit with five counts of aggravated identity theft.

McCormick, a long-term Darkode member, played a significant role in the organization, rising to secure an administrative position. His transgressions include making and selling malware to steal users' personal identification and financial information. During a house search, he was found to possess the credit card information of almost 30,000 individuals and malware. He admitted to causing their victims roughly $679,000 in financial losses in his guilty plea.

Operation Shrouded HorizonThe fall of Fubar marks a notable step towards the downfall of Darkode. The Department of Justice first announced its dismantling in July 2015 with Operation Shrouded Horizon, charging 12 individuals with ties to the forum. These efforts result from a massive joint operation across 20 nations to charge, arrest, or investigate the known 70 Darkode members and affiliates globally.

Proactive steps you can take to monitor your devices and finances are taking notice of increased battery drainage on your devices, as that may suggest you have an unwanted visitor within your system. Additionally, actively monitor charges on your accounts and take notice of unusual changes in your credit score.

Remember,
stay vigilant, stay encrypted.
Over and out, Rae

References:

Notorious hacker sentenced to 18 months in prison. District of Columbia | Notorious Hacker Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison | United States Department of Justice. (2023a, November 15). https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/notorious-hacker-sentenced-18-months-prison