Brazilian police have arrested a hacker posing as American CEO in 2022 to gain access to FBI-led cyber security forum InfraGard. The hacker, known by the pseudonym "USDoD", offered to sell the data of over 80,000 members of the forum. This arrest is part of a larger cybercrime investigation in Brazil.

Important findings

  • The hacker USDoD was arrested in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
  • He offered personal data of 1.3 million US citizens for sale.
  • USDoD is also responsible for the hack of Airbus in September 2023.
  • He was identified as Luan Goncalves, 33, from Minas Gerais.

Background of the arrest

Brazil’s federal police carried out a search and arrest in the hacker’s hometown on Wednesday. USDoD had offered federal police data for sale in May 2020 and again in February 2022. The arrest follows a series of cyberattacks he carried out, including the theft of data from NationalPublic Data, a data broker that recently filed for bankruptcy.

Cybercrime Focus

USDoD is responsible not only for accessing the FBI forum but also for stealing information from Airbus, where he gained access to 3,200 supplier names and addresses. He said he had obtained access using stolen login credentials from a Turkish airline. These incidents highlight the growing threat of cybercrime and the need to strengthen security measures.

Identity of the hacker

USDoD’s identity had been an open secret for months. After a list of threat actors from CrowdStrike was published, a Brazilian media outlet identified the hacker as Luan BG. Luan Goncalves confirmed his identity in a statement and said he would not flee because he was born in the city where he was arrested.

Effects on Cyber Security

The arrest of USDoD could have far-reaching implications for the cyber security community. Professionals warn that such incidents highlight the need to review and improve security protocols. The arrest could also serve as a warning to other cybercriminals planning similar attacks.

Conclusion

The arrest of the hacker USDoD by the Brazilian police is a significant step in the fight against cybercrime. It shows that authorities are determined to tackle such threats and improve security on the Internet. Developments in this case will continue to be closely monitored as they may provide new insights into cybercriminals’ methods and motivations.

Sources

  • Breach Roundup: Brazilian Police Arrest USDoD, GovInfoSecurity.