Hacker responsible for international data breaches arrested in joint Singapore-Thailand operation

Cybersecurity Threats in the Modern Age: A Global Challenge

In today’s digital world, cybercrime has become one of the most pressing challenges for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. The sheer sophistication and cross-border nature of cybercriminal activities have made it imperative for law enforcement agencies across the world to collaborate and share intelligence. A recent case involving a high-profile hacker, known by the aliases ALTDOS and GHOSTR, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating such threats. This case, which involved agencies from Singapore and Thailand, underscores the growing need for a unified approach to cybercrime investigations and the critical role of collaboration in bringing perpetrators to justice.

A Joint Operation Between Singapore and Thailand

In a significant breakthrough, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Cybercrime Command in Singapore worked closely with their counterparts in Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to tackle a suspected threat actor responsible for a series of data breaches and ransomware attacks. The suspect, who was eventually identified and apprehended, was linked to multiple cybercrimes in Thailand and other countries, including Singapore and Bangladesh. The collaboration between the two agencies was instrumental in uncovering the identity of the hacker and putting an end to his malicious activities.

The Arrest and Seizure of Assets

Following the successful identification and arrest of the suspect, authorities seized assets valued at over 10 million baht (approximately US $295,000). The seized items included laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles, and high-end branded bags, which were believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the illegal activities. This seizure not only deprived the hacker of his ill-gotten gains but also served as a deterrent to others involved in similar crimes. The arrest and subsequent seizure of assets were the result of meticulous investigative work and the sharing of crucial leads between the two countries.

The Role of Singapore’s Cybercrime Command

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) played a pivotal role in the investigation, with Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Tay, who leads the SPF’s cybercrime command, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. In a statement, Tay noted that cybercriminals operate without borders, making it essential for law enforcement agencies to work together to combat these threats effectively. He also expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Police for their invaluable collaboration, highlighting the significance of regional partnerships in ensuring the safety and security of cyberspace.

The Notorious Hacker: ALTDOS and GHOSTR

The hacker, who operated under the aliases ALTDOS and GHOSTR, first came to prominence in late 2020 when a securities trading firm in Thailand fell victim to a data breach. Since then, ALTDOS has been linked to a string of cybercrimes, targeting businesses in Singapore, Thailand, and Bangladesh for financial gain. In one notable incident in August 2021, ALTDOS targeted the real estate agency OrangeTee & Tie in Singapore, demanding a ransom of 10 Bitcoins in exchange for the safety and non-disclosure of stolen databases. The ransom demand also included video footage of the stolen data, further heightening the pressure on the victim to comply.

The Impact on Businesses and the Need for Vigilance

The cyberattacks carried out by ALTDOS and GHOSTR have had far-reaching consequences for the businesses affected. In the case of OrangeTee & Tie, the breach resulted in the compromise of personal data belonging to over 250,000 customers and employees. The incident led to the agency being fined S$37,000 (approximately US $27,000) by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) for lapses in data protection. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for businesses to remain vigilant in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. The joint advisory issued by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), PDPC, and SPF highlights the critical role of collaboration between businesses and law enforcement agencies in preventing and responding to cyberattacks.

In conclusion, the successful apprehension of the hacker ALTDOS/ GHOSTR and the subsequent seizure of his assets demonstrate the power of international collaboration in the fight against cybercrime. The case also underscores the importance of businesses adopting strong cybersecurity practices to protect sensitive data and prevent falling victim to such attacks. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, it is essential for all stakeholders to remain proactive and work together to build a safer and more secure digital landscape.