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CyberWire Daily

On the run, caught on arrival.

Oct 21, 2024
An Australian scammer behind a $46 million fraud scheme is arrested in Italy, showcasing international cooperation. Cyber threats remain a hot topic as the Internet Archive experiences yet another breach, and encrypted cloud storage reveals troubling vulnerabilities. Chinese disinformation campaigns are targeting U.S. senators, while advancements in AI safety seek to enhance digital security. The Department of Defense explores challenges in tech adoption, and Microsoft employs clever tactics to ensnare phishers, all while the specter of old threats still looms.
38:25

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Quick takeaways

  • An alleged Australian scammer was arrested in Italy after evading law enforcement for over three years, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in combating cybercrime.
  • Microsoft's innovative use of deception techniques to combat phishing showcases the evolving strategies in cybersecurity to counteract malicious attacks.

Deep dives

Arrest of a $46 Million Scammer

An alleged Australian scammer, wanted by the FBI for a $46 million online fraud scheme, was arrested in Milan, Italy, after evading law enforcement for over three years. This 44-year-old individual, who had been tipped off by Interpol, was caught at the airport upon arrival from Singapore. The scam involved a tech support fraud where victims, primarily elderly, were tricked into believing their computers were compromised, leading them to pay for non-existent technical assistance. Authorities estimate the gang's total illicit profits at around $31 million, and efforts are underway to extradite the suspect to the U.S. for prosecution.

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