Operation Endgame - How Europol Disrupted Major Botnets

Today, we get into one of the most significant cyber crime operations to date against botnets, led by Europol: Operation Endgame. Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, has been a central figure in the fight against organized crime and terrorism since its establishment in 1998. With around 1,400 staff and 257 liaison officers from various countries, Europol coordinates high-stakes operations across the EU and beyond.

This massive international operation targeted and disrupted various malicious software, including IcedID, SystemBC, Pikabot, Smokeloader, and Bumblebee.

The operation's success is marked by the takedown of over 100 servers worldwide and the arrest of key suspects in Armenia and Ukraine. Europol's strategy included creating a dedicated website with a cyberpunk vibe, complete with a countdown timer and episodic updates. This site, operation-endgame.com, serves as both a deterrent and a call to action for those involved in cybercrime.