According to intelligence over Telegram, on 9th of August, threat actor Darknet Marauders shared the database of GenBank from US National Center for Biotechnology Information (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
The National Center for Biotechnology Information, founded in 1988, is a part of United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) and advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
The threat actor claims that the size of the database is 7.7 GB.
Telegram: A Haven for Threat Actors
Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its privacy features, encryption, and ability to host large groups and channels. Unfortunately, its features have also made it a favored platform for threat actors to communicate, coordinate, and share stolen data. The platform’s end-to-end encryption makes it difficult for authorities to monitor conversations, providing a safe haven for cybercriminals.
Threat actors often utilize Telegram to advertise their activities, showcase stolen data as evidence, and negotiate with potential buyers of the compromised information. The platform’s relative anonymity and ease of use have contributed to its popularity among cybercriminals looking to exploit and profit from data breaches.
As data breaches continue to pose serious threats to individuals and organizations alike, it becomes imperative for educational institutions and other entities to bolster their cybersecurity measures, conduct regular assessments, and stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats.