Interpol unearths more than 9000 malware hit servers in ASEAN

(PC-Google Images)

A cybersecurity operation run out of the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) has uncovered more than 9,000 malware-laden servers and hundreds of compromised websites in the Asean region, including government portals.

Interpol said that it worked with investigators from seven countries and seven private sector companies for this operation. The countries involved were Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. China also provided additional cyber intelligence.

Investigators also found close to 270 infected websites including some government portals, potentially exposing data on citizens. Among them were several government websites which may have contained personal data of their citizens.

The law enforcement organization also claimed to have “identified” a number of phishing website operators including one with links to Nigeria and one selling phishing kits on the darknet who has posted to YouTube.

Interpol says investigations are ongoing. IGCI Executive Director Noboru Nakatani said the operation was a perfect example of how the public and private sectors can work efficiently together in combating cybercrime.

"With direct access to the information, expertise and capabilities of the private sector and specialists from the Cyber Fusion Centre, participants were able to fully appreciate the scale and scope of cybercrime actors across the region and in their countries," said Mr Nakatani.