Operation Secure: A Strategic Victory Against Cybercrime

In an age where digital threats loom over individuals and businesses alike, the international community is taking significant strides to combat cybercrime. A noteworthy example is Operation Secure, an INTERPOL-led initiative that recently culminated in a sweeping crackdown across the Asia-Pacific region. This operation, which ran from January to April 2025, has not only dismantled extensive criminal infrastructures but also underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and cybersecurity firms.

A Unified Front Against Cyber Threats

Operation Secure is a testament to the power of collaboration, uniting law enforcement agencies from 26 countries alongside prominent private cybersecurity entities including Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro. This multifaceted operation was facilitated under the Asia & South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC) framework, showcasing a blend of international resolve and expertise.

The operation’s most striking achievements include the arrests of 32 individuals and the neutralization of nearly 80% of identified malicious infrastructure. By dismantling a network responsible for infostealer malware campaigns, Operation Secure has made significant strides in protecting vulnerable populations from unscrupulous cybercriminals.

Confronting Infostealer Malware

At the heart of this offensive was Group-IB, which played a pivotal role in providing critical threat intelligence on various infostealer malware types, such as Lumma, Risepro, and META Stealer. These malicious tools are notoriously employed to siphon sensitive information, including login credentials and financial details, creating a gateway for larger attacks such as ransomware and financial fraud.

The operation effectively took down over 20,000 malicious IPs and domains, showcasing the strength of unified efforts. Additionally, authorities recovered more than 100 GB of stolen data, which included compromised credentials of over 216,000 victims—each notified to take protective measures.

The Significance of International Collaboration

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, spoke passionately about the operation’s implications for global security. “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,” he remarked.

This statement encapsulates a core principle of modern cybersecurity: intelligence sharing is not merely advantageous; it’s essential. The intertwining of law enforcement and private cybersecurity initiatives not only amplifies the reach but augments the effectiveness of combating such pervasive threats.

The Scope of Arrests and Recoveries

Operation Secure yielded tangible results, with 32 arrests made in total—18 in Vietnam and 14 in Sri Lanka and Nauru. In Vietnam, authorities seized over VND 300 million in cash, various SIM cards, and documentation linked to illicit activities, illuminating the vast criminal ecosystem at play.

Moreover, investigators in Hong Kong discovered 117 command-and-control servers hosted across 89 different internet service providers. Such findings underscore the elaborate and far-reaching nature of the criminal infrastructures being targeted, reinforcing the necessity of global cooperation in cybersecurity.

The Role of Group-IB in Global Cybersecurity

Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB, expressed his thoughts on the operation’s impact, emphasizing how cybercriminals utilize compromised credentials for more extensive scams. “By sharing actionable intelligence with INTERPOL and local law enforcement agencies, we are helping to dismantle the infrastructure behind these attacks and protecting both organizations and individuals globally,” he stated.

Group-IB’s involvement extends beyond just this operation. The firm has also contributed to Operation Red Card, which significantly impacted cybercrime in Africa by arresting over 300 criminals and unraveling networks that had targeted thousands of victims.

In addition to its participation in INTERPOL initiatives, Group-IB stands as an official INTERPOL Gateway Partner, working closely with global law enforcement agencies including EUROPOL and AFRIPOL. The company’s commitment is further illustrated by its membership in EUROPOL’s Advisory Group on Internet Security, which fosters collaboration between trusted private-sector partners.

Looking Ahead

The success of Operation Secure reflects a growing recognition of the need for strategic alliances in the digital age. As threats evolve, so too must the tactics to counteract them. The landscape of cybersecurity is intricate and ever-changing, but the collaborative efforts exemplified through these operations offer an optimistic outlook.

With continued advocacy for intelligence-led operations and public-private partnerships, we can bolster defenses against cybercrime, safeguarding the digital realm for individuals and businesses alike. As this operation illustrates, the battle against cyber threats is far from over, but each victory paves the way for a more secure future.