The Cybersecurity Crusade: Inside Operation Secure

In an era where the digital landscape is fraught with precarious threats, the multinational effort known as Operation Secure represents a formidable response to rising cybercrime in the Asia-Pacific region. Spearheaded by INTERPOL, this groundbreaking law enforcement initiative achieved notable milestones, including 32 arrests and the dismantling of expansive networks behind infostealer malware.

A Collaborative Endeavor

Operation Secure, conducted between January and April 2025, emerged from the need for a unified stance against cybercriminal activity. Engaging law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, alongside prominent private cybersecurity firms such as Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro, this operation thrived on the principle of cooperation. By collaborating across borders, these entities worked to tackle sophisticated cyber threats that have become increasingly globalized.

The value of this collaboration is succinctly captured by Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime. He remarked, “INTERPOL continues to support practical, collaborative action against global cyber threats. Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large-scale harm to both individuals and businesses.”

Targeting Infostealer Malware

Infostealer malware, the linchpin of many cybercriminal schemes, was at the heart of Operation Secure. Group-IB played a pivotal role by providing essential threat intelligence on various malware types, including Lumma, Risepro, and META Stealer. These digital intruders are notorious for pilfering sensitive information—ranging from login credentials to payment data—effectively laying the groundwork for more destructive attacks, such as financial fraud and ransomware incidents.

Thanks to these coordinated efforts, law enforcement agencies successfully neutralized a staggering 79% of the identified malicious infrastructure. Over 20,000 malicious IPs and domains were taken offline, 41 servers were seized, and more than 100 gigabytes of stolen data were recovered. This data included compromised credentials linked to over 216,000 victims, all of whom have been notified to take necessary protective measures against potential financial repercussions.

Groundbreaking Outcomes

The impact of Operation Secure extended well beyond mere statistics. The initiative resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals involved in cybercrime activities, with significant busts occurring in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Nauru. In Vietnam alone, authorities seized over VND 300 million in cash, along with various SIM cards and business registration documents tied to illicit cyber endeavors. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, investigators uncovered 117 command-and-control servers distributed across 89 different internet services, underscoring the vast and intricate nature of the cyber threat landscape.

Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB, emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation, asserting that “the compromised credentials and sensitive data acquired by cybercriminals through infostealer malware often serve as initial vectors for financial fraud and ransomware attacks.” His commitment to dismantling the underlying infrastructure of these attacks highlights the critical partnership between cybersecurity firms and law enforcement agencies.

Beyond Borders

Group-IB’s involvement in Operation Secure is just one facet of its broader mission to combat cybercrime globally. The company also played an instrumental role in Operation Red Card, an international effort against cybercrime in Africa that led to over 300 arrests and disrupted numerous criminal networks targeting thousands of victims. As an official INTERPOL Gateway Partner, Group-IB works closely with international law enforcement bodies, including EUROPOL and AFRIPOL, to strengthen global cybersecurity efforts.

In addition to its operational commitments, Group-IB is actively involved in the EUROPOL’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) Advisory Group on Internet Security. This participation underscores the firm’s ongoing dedication to intelligence-sharing initiatives and collaborative operations aimed at dismantling the complex web of cybercriminal networks.

Commitment to a Safer Digital Future

As cyber threats evolve, proactive measures become essential. Through initiatives like Operation Secure, the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity partners are not merely reactive; they symbolize a significant step towards a safer digital landscape. Group-IB, along with INTERPOL, remains committed to championing intelligence-led operations that protect individuals and businesses alike, fortifying the defense against the ever-present specter of cybercrime.

With the world more interconnected than ever, these collaborative efforts may well serve as a blueprint for combating future threats, as the fight against cybercriminals continues in earnest.