The takedown of a massive malware crime network is now commencing to consequences for a few of its testified members. The US and the country of Georgia have sentenced three individuals for their roles in using GozNym malware to steal upwards of $100 million. Krasimir Nikolov was convicted in the US to the 39 months he’d served in prison for serving as an “account takeover specialist,” and shall be returned to Bulgaria. Two others, the “main organizer” Alexander Konolov and his assistant Marat Kazandjian, have additionally been prosecuted in Georgia for their roles. The US Justice Department didn’t mention their punishment.
The network operated for years, utilizing GozNym to compromise over 41,000 computers and swipe cash from targets’ bank accounts. It started falling aside when Nikolov was caught and extradited to the US in December 2016, though he did not plead guilty till April 2019.
The FBI mentioned these sentences showed that it would not let online criminals “function with impunity.” While that is true, it is not sure this may discourage web gangsters. The GozNym busts were successful because of cooperation between friendly countries; however many cybercrooks operate out of Russia and other countries that do not have extradition treaties with the US and could also be resistant to arrest hackers that target the West. These are vital sentences. However, they’re not likely to change the digital landscape.