Threat actor Darknet Marauders claimed to have successfully gained alleged access to the American governmental website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov) on Telegram. Before, the threat actor claimed that they shared the database of GenBank of US National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health agency of the United States. It is a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The agency’s main goal is the protection of public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability in the US and worldwide.
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.