A programmer from Khmelnytskyi decided to become a hacker and, after spending some time on special forums, began to spread malicious software. I did it through infected files in GTA San Andreas mods, videos with which I posted on YouTube.
However, the results were not impressive – UAH 4,740 from 7,327 infected computers. Well, a year of probation with a fine of UAH 34,000.
Recommend how to become a hacker
According to the case file, after the boy decided to become a hacker, he registered on the specialized forum LOLZ.GURU. There he constantly addressed the community with numerous questions.
He then rented a server from the Russian company FirstVDS, where he set up an administrative panel for the DarkCrystal RAT malware.
This made it possible to monitor and view the list of computers infected with malicious software, as well as download personal data of users.
Video with mods on YouTube
The guy distributed the malware through videos aimed at fans of the online video game GTA San Andreas Multi Player (GTA SAMP). They contained information about the results of installing the desired modifications to the specified computer game.
There were links to the archive in the description of the video. Once downloaded, users “clicked on an executable file in the ‘eche’ format that contained the word ‘cheat’ in its name.”
DarkCrystal RA
Of course, players did not receive any cheats or mods. The files being shared are a component of the DarkCrystal RA malware.” DarkCrystal RAT (aka DCRat) with its modular design can be used for a variety of tasks including dynamic code execution, data theft, tracking and orchestration, and DDoS attacks.
Once launched on a victim’s computer, DCRat collects system information and transmits data such as host and user names, location data, privileges, installed security solutions, motherboard and BIOS data, and Windows versions to the management server.
DarkCrystal is capable of taking screenshots, intercepting keystrokes and stealing various types of data from the system, including clipboard contents, cookies, passwords, browser history, bank card details, as well as Telegram, Discord, Steam, FileZilla accounts.
The result of the hacker’s activity was personal data from 7,327 computers. He planned to sell this data. And he even managed to do that, for which he received UAH 4,740.
Hacked 7327 computers
According to the court documents, the criminal planned to sell the information with limited access, which was stored in the infected computers, through Telegram. He realized his intention, receiving UAH 4,740 on his PrivatBank card. he carried out such operations more than once.
In general, according to the investigation, the businessman obtained personal data from 7,327 computers of Internet users with the aim of further selling said data.
Court verdict
The court sentenced the Khmelnytskyi hacker to three years in prison based on a combination of crimes. But then the sentence was reduced, giving the criminal a probationary term for a year before serving the actual term.
Also, the hacker must pay for the benefit of the state the costs of attracting experts in the amount of UAH 34,413.12.
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