International Police Dismantle KillSec, Seizing 110 Terabytes as 16-Year-Old Is Named Suspected Leader
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 9
International Police Dismantle KillSec, Seizing 110 Terabytes as 16-Year-Old Is Named Suspected Leader
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 9
Summary
Operation KillSwitch took KillSec’s leak site and five central servers offline on Sept. 30, while investigators secured at least 110 terabytes of stolen data tied to about 1,000 suspected attacks.
Europol said roughly 500 attacks have so far been confirmed as successful, with the group exploiting software vulnerabilities and poorly secured access points before threatening to publish stolen files unless victims paid.
A 16-year-old was identified as the suspected administrator and main operator, and another suspected developer had only recently turned 18; three suspects were provisionally arrested after eight searches in Greece, Romania, Spain and the UK.
Investigators also said KillSec used AI to help build and maintain ransomware infrastructure and identify targets, underscoring how automation is lowering barriers to entry for cybercrime.
The probe remains active as authorities examine seized devices and trace cryptocurrency proceeds, while the FBI urged remaining members to surrender and warned the group could still re-form under another name.