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INTERPOL-led Operation Synergia

Operation Synergia: A Global Crackdown on Cyber Threats

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Written by

Reza Rafati
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ThreatIntelligenceLab.com

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, more coordinated, and, frankly, more dangerous. It’s a global challenge that demands a global response, and one recent initiative that stands out is INTERPOL’s Operation Synergia.

Conducted from September to November 2023, this operation has been a beacon of international cooperation against the dark tide of cybercrime, focusing on phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.

Operation Synergia: A United Front

Operation Synergia, spearheaded by INTERPOL, involved an impressive collaboration of 60 law enforcement agencies from over 50 member countries.

This operation was a massive endeavor, targeting 1,300 suspicious IP addresses or URLs linked to cybercrime. What makes Synergia particularly noteworthy is its comprehensive approach. Not only did the operation focus on taking down command-and-control (C2) servers, but it also emphasized identifying and apprehending the individuals behind these nefarious activities.

The scope

The scope and impact of Operation Synergia were truly global. Most of the C2 servers taken down were in Europe, with significant takedowns also reported in Asia-Pacific regions, like Hong Kong and Singapore, and on the African continent, notably in South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Who assisted in Operation Synergia?

The involvement of INTERPOL’s Gateway Partners such as Group-IB, Kaspersky, TrendMicro, Shadowserver, and Team Cymru was crucial. These partnerships provided the necessary analysis and intelligence support to identify and neutralize threats.

The infrastructure

Yes. Operation Synergia wasn’t just about disrupting the current infrastructure of cybercrime; it was also about preventing future attacks by dismantling the networks that facilitate these crimes.

Criminals detained

31 were detained in the operation. Another 70 persons were identified.

Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The results of Operation Synergia are a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort. As Bernardo Pillot, Assistant Director to INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate, aptly put it1, this operation marks a step closer to a safer digital ecosystem. However, the battle against cybercrime is far from over.

The dynamic nature of cyber threats means that as defenders, we must continually adapt and evolve our strategies.

Conclusion

As we move forward, it’s clear that operations like Synergia are crucial in the fight against cybercrime.

They not only disrupt the current landscape of cyber threats but also set a precedent for international collaboration and proactive defense strategies.

Operation Synergia

I recommend that cybersecurity professionals and organizations across the globe take note of the actions against cybercrime.

The best way to protect our digital future is by working together, sharing knowledge, and staying one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Continue reading

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  1. https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2024/INTERPOL-led-operation-targets-growing-cyber-threats ↩︎

Written by

Reza Rafati
Reza Rafati is an experienced cyber security professional. He is the founder of Threat Intelligence Lab. He has extensive experience in the field of cyber threat intelligence, cyber takedowns, and cyber threat landscapes.