Darknet Diaries Ep 44: Zain
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Aug 6, 2019 Ransomware wreaks havoc by locking users out of their data until a fee is paid. Dive into the story of a computer science student who teams up with Russian hackers, exploiting outdated software through the Angler exploit kit. Discover the dark underbelly of cybercrime, where malware spreads and money is laundered, highlighting the dire consequences of misdirected skills. The podcast uncovers the rise of scam emails and the ethical dilemmas faced by those with technical prowess choosing the wrong path.
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Zane's Ransomware Scheme
- Zane Kaser, a 17-year-old computer science student, partnered with Russian hackers to distribute ransomware.
- He used malvertising on porn sites, exploiting the shame of victims to extort money.
Angler Exploit Kit
- The Angler exploit kit scans computers for outdated software with known vulnerabilities.
- Upon finding a vulnerability, it executes malicious code, like ransomware.
Ransomware Attack
- Zane bought ads on porn websites to spread the Reviton ransomware, also known as the "police virus."
- The ransomware displayed a fake FBI warning, scaring victims into paying a $200 fee.