Tech Shout!

Software maker Microsoft Corp. applauded the Bulgarian law-enforcement National Services to Combat Organized Crime (NSCOC) bureau for investigations leading to the arrest of an organized ring of eight persons who allegedly ran an international “phishing” operation. Microsoft Corp. aided the NSCOC by providing investigative and technical support in the case.

Bulgarian NSCOC arrested eight people in raids carried on this week in three Bulgarian cities. The phishing group allegedly is part of an international ring that makes financial fraud and theft of personal data through the Internet.

Horacio Gutierrez, associate general counsel for Microsoft Europe said, “We are very pleased to have collaborated with the Bulgarian authorities in their swift and effective raid in this case.”

Microsoft thinks vigorous criminal enforcement against phishers is necessary to show cyber criminals that there will be dire consequences to their illegal actions. Microsoft says it’s proud to be working with law enforcement agencies around the world in combating Internet phishing. The company thinks this anti-phishing action was an important step forward in the combat against those who prey on Internet users.

Known as the MBAM Gang (Microsoft Billing Account Management) by Microsoft investigators, the gang allegedly spoofed emails to make them appear as if MSN customer service representatives sent them. The group also allegedly produced dozens of fake Internet Web pages that forged the logo, design and trademark of official MSN web pages.

The gang launched 46 attacks on 43 compromised servers located in 11 countries around the world, allegedly putting Internet users’ personal information at risk by inviting them to update their personal financial data such as personal identification, credit card, and verification numbers.

The stolen financial data was allegedly used to buy and receive express money transfers for more than $50,000 on behalf of credit card owners from the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.

Microsoft referred the matter and evidence of the attacks for further investigation to Bulgarian authorities, who eventually succeeded in identifying the alleged phishing gang.