Anonymous Hacker Denied Bail in Singapore, Accused For Hacking Prime Minister Website

Anonymous Hacker Denied Bail in Singapore, Accused For Hacking Prime Minister Website

A Singapore court in this week has denied bail of accused anonymous hacker charged for hacking high value government websites. Last month a Singaporean hacker named James Raj was extradited from Malaysia. He was charged for hacking the Ang Mo Kio district website, whose MPs include Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, under the banner of worlds most dangerous hacktivist community Anonymous. The alleged hacking was among a string of cyber attacks that have also targeted the websites of Premier Lee and President Tony Tan as well as pro-government media, in a row over Internet freedom in the city state. This 35 years old hacker was deeply linked with Anonymous and he was covered himself with nickname "The Messiah".  District Judge Soh Tze Bian said Raj, posed a flight risk because he previously jumped bail and fled to Malaysia after being slapped with illegal drugs consumption charges in 2011. 

Police have previously said Raj was also linked to other hacking attacks, including on the website of a charity associated with the ruling People's Action Party. Two Singaporean men have so far been charged with defacing the president's website. Police have said that there are no links between Raj and these suspects. 

The round of attack from Raj took place three days before a self-proclaimed spokesperson for Anonymous appeared in a video on October 31 to demand the scrapping of a recent Singapore law requiring news websites to obtain annual licences. The Internet licensing rules, which came into effect in June, have sparked anger among bloggers and activists who say they are designed to muzzle free expression. Singapore strictly regulates the traditional media, but insists the recent licensing rules do not impinge on Internet freedom. 

-Source (Global Post)

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">Anonymous Hacker Denied Bail in Singapore, Accused For Hacking Prime Minister Website"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/anonymous-hacker-denied-bail-in-singapore.html</a>

Microsoft Along With FBI & EC3 Shattered The Notorious ZeroAccess Botnet

Microsoft Along With FBI & EC3 Shattered The Notorious ZeroAccess Botnet Responsible For Infecting More Than 2 Million Computers

Redmond based software giant Microsoft yet again got a huge success against a big racket of cyber criminals while shattering one of the world's largest and most rampant botnets named 'ZeroAccess'. The Sirefef botnet, also known as ZeroAccess, is responsible for infecting more than 2 million computers, specifically targeting search results on Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines, and is estimated to cost online advertisers $2.7 million each month. Tech giant Microsoft working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) have successfully disrupted this notorious botnet. This is Microsoft’s first botnet action since the Nov. 14 unveiling of its new Cybercrime Center — a center of excellence for advancing the global fight against cyber crime — and marks the company’s eighth botnet operation in the past three years.

“This operation marks an important step in coordinated actions that are initiated by private companies and, at the same time, enable law enforcement agencies around Europe to identify and investigate the criminal organizations and networks behind these dangerous botnets that use malicious software to gain illicit profits,” said Troels Oerting, head of the EC3. “EC3 added its expertise, information communications technology infrastructure and analytic capability, as well as provided the platform for high-level cooperation between cyber crime units in five European countries and Microsoft.”

Due to its botnet architecture, ZeroAccess is one of the most robust and durable botnets in operation today and was built to be resilient to disruption efforts, relying on a peer-to-peer infrastructure that allows cyber criminals to remotely control the botnet from tens of thousands of different computers. ZeroAccess is used to commit a slew of crimes, including search hijacking, which “hijacks” people’s search results and redirects people to sites they had not intended or requested to go to in order to steal the money generated by their ad clicks. ZeroAccess also commits click fraud, which occurs when advertisers pay for clicks that are not the result of legitimate, interested human users’ clicks, but are the result of automated Web traffic and other criminal activity. Research by the University of California, San Diego shows that as of October 2013, 1.9 million computers were infected with ZeroAccess, and Microsoft determined there were more than 800,000 ZeroAccess-infected computers active on the Internet on any given day.

How It Happened:- 

Last week, Microsoft filed a civil suit against the cyber criminals operating the ZeroAccess botnet and received authorization from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas to simultaneously block incoming and outgoing communications between computers located in the U.S. and the 18 identified Internet Protocol (IP) addresses being used to commit the fraudulent schemes. In addition, Microsoft took over control of 49 domains associated with the ZeroAccess botnet. A10 Networks provided Microsoft with advanced technology to support the disruptive action.

As Microsoft executed the order filed in its civil case, Europol coordinated a multijurisdictional criminal action targeting the 18 IP addresses located in Europe. Specifically, Europol worked with Latvia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany to execute search warrants and seizures on computer servers associated with the fraudulent IP addresses located in Europe. This is the second time in six months that Microsoft and law enforcement have worked together to successfully disrupt a prevalent botnet. It demonstrates the value coordinated operations have against cyber criminal enterprises. For more information about this botnet operation click here

ZeroAccess is counted as a very sophisticated malware, blocking attempts to remove it, therefore recommended for every Microsoft user to click Here for detailed instructions on how to remove this threat. As Microsoft found that the ZeroAccess malware disables security features on infected computers, leaving the computer susceptible to secondary infections, it is critical that victims rid their computers of ZeroAccess by using malware removal or antivirus software as quickly as possible. 

In conversation with press David Finn, executive director and associate general counsel of the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit said -“Microsoft is committed to working collaboratively — with our customers, partners, academic experts and law enforcement — to combat cybercrime. And we’ll do everything we can to protect computer users from the sinister activities and criminal networks that victimize innocent people and businesses around the world.” 

While talking about ZeroAccess botnet take down, I would like to remind you that in Match, last year Microsoft has successfully shutdown two command and control (C&C) server of world's of the most dangerous banking trojan Zeus.

-Source (Microsoft Official Blog)

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">Microsoft Along With FBI & EC3 Shattered The Notorious ZeroAccess Botnet"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/microsoft-shattered-zerozccess-botnet.html</a>

'PayPal 14' Culprits Enter Guilty Pleading Over Pro-WikiLeaks DDoS Attack Versus PayPal

Accused 'PayPal 14' Culprits of Anonymous Enter Guilty Pleading Over Pro-WikiLeaks DDoS Attack Versus PayPal

I am quite sure that all of your regular readers still remember the devastating cyber attack from Anonymous against PayPal, the attack was conducted under the banner of Operation PayPal (#OpPayPal). The infamous hacker community stated a reason for this mass protest as the online payment company suspending the account of WikiLeaks. #OpPayPal is considered as one of the most demolishing cyber attack ever taken in cyber space. PayPal with law enforcement agencies immediately taken steps and start investigation, in the primary step PayPal sent 1000 IP address of Anonymous hacker who was linked on that attack to FBI. As expected the hackers who were behind that attack was serially busted by the police. And finally the accused anonymous hacker appeared in federal court in California on Thursday and will be formally sentenced in one year. Eleven of the so-called “PayPal 14” members each pleaded guilty in court to one felony count of conspiracy and one misdemeanor count of damaging a computer as a result of their involvement in a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack waged by Anonymous in late 2010 shortly after PayPal stopped processing donations to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks. Prosecutors say the defendants used a free computer program called the Low Ion Orbit Cannon, aka LOIC, to collectively flood PayPal’s servers with tremendous amounts of illegitimate internet traffic for one week that winter, at moments knocking the website offline as a result and causing what PayPal estimated to be roughly £3.5 million in damages. 

Pending good behavior, those 11 alleged Anons will be back in court early next December for sentencing, atpleading guilty to the misdemeanor counts only, likely removing themselves from any lingering felony convictions but earning an eventual 90 day jail stint when they are finally sentenced. A fourth defendant, Dennis Owen Collins, did not attend the hearing due to complications involving a similar case currently being considered by a federal judge in Alexandria Virginia in which he and one dozen others are accused of conspiring to cripple other websites as an act of protest during roughly the same time.

which point the felony charges are expected to be adjourned. Two of the remaining defendants cut deals that found them. In his press reaction defense attorney Stanley Cohen said the terms of the settlement were reached following over a year of negotiations, “based upon strength, not weakness; based upon principle, not acquiescence.” In the courtroom all the accused hacker stood up and said, ‘We did what you said we did . . .We believe it was an appropriate act from us and we’re willing to pay the price.’ 

On the other hand Cohen, who represented PayPal 14 defendant Mercedes Haefer in court, said one of the hacktivists told him after Thursdays hearing concluded that "This misdemeanor is a badge of honor and courage." When media questioned Michael Whelan, a lawyer for one of the defendants, he declined to comment on the plea. 

-Source (RT)

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">'PayPal 14' Culprits Enter Guilty Pleading Over Pro-WikiLeaks DDoS Attack Versus PayPal"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/PayPal14-ofanonymous-enter-guilty-ple.html</a>

Android 4.4 'KitKat' -The More Compatible, Intelligent and Simple Android Ever

Android 4.4 'KitKat' All You Need to Know-The More Compatible, Intelligent and Simple Android Ever 

Earlier we have discussed several times on android- which is one of the world's most popular and widely used operating system based on Linux kernel, mainly designed for smartphones and tablet computers. Since last four years we have got various flavor of android among them 2.2 (Froyo), 2.3.3–2.3.7 (Gingerbread), 3.2 (Honeycomb), 4.0.3–4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) & 4.1.x-4.3.x (Jelly Bean) successfully drawn public attention and gained popularity. After the success of Jelly Bean, now Google has introduced Android 4.4 nicknamed 'KitKat.' Official website of android explained the reason of this nomenclature -'as everyone finds chocolate so tempting, we decided to name the next version of Android after one of our favorite chocolate treats, the KitKat®!' Immediately after this release android 4.4 is vogue as with this version of android Google improved performance and memory usage, makes this version more compatible than ever; you can easily try KitKat on your older smartphones. Now lets illuminate android 4.4 briefly-

Introduction:-

Readers, I will introduce a simple way the new features of the version of android, "The KitKat" Accompanies the more intelligent and simple search for Android, says the official Google blog, and more importantly, Should Have compatibility with older devices. This means more people que can have access to the innovations than other Android updates.

Performance and improved use of memory:-

Many of the major changes are the KitKat under the hood. The overall performance should improve, especially in relation to RAM. The Android developers site says "KitKat streamlines all the key components to reduce memory consumption", so even older smartphones running Android 4.4 will be faster and more responsive - even with 512MB of RAM. The multitasking should work better and you can switch applications without lock your smartphone.

Simpler and more powerful: (Google Now)

The Google Now gained much prominence in KitKat, with quick, more cards, and more features without using their hands. Not too can wake up your smartphone to start a search and take a picture saying only "OK Google Now"? It's like Google Glass, but on your smartphone.

The Google Now will also gain space on your homescreen, if you want (and you can slide left to right to find it), and Google will add more cards to make your smartphone smarter automatically suferindo things based on your interests , location, and more.

Support SMS, location sharing, and animated GIFs in Hangouts:-

Google announced this week that Hangouts will turn the main messaging app - is text messaging, video calls and instant. If you hate having your conversations scattered in several different apps, with KitKat you need only Hangouts, which replaces the old Mail app.

The use of location sharing can be very convenient when you're meeting a friend and wants to tell exactly where it is.

Finally, if you like to put emojis in messages, are present in many new keyboard Google.

Improvements in NFC, Cloud Printing and File Management:-

The KitKat also includes improvements that developers can now use apps to improve their apps. Regarding the NFC, it may automatically take you to the right app when you touch your device into a payment terminal. Printer manufacturers can develop served to send print files from Android to your printer. And the new framework for access to storage provides a consistent way to access files stored in other facilities in other apps (eg, open or save files in Dropbox or Box when you're in the browser).

In short, I will whole heartily agree with Google while saying -KitKat 4.4 is Smart, simple, and truly yours To know more about Android 4.4 'KitKat' click here

While concluding this article, I on behalf of Team VOGH, want to thank our new guest editor Mr. Rafael Souza, for sharing his view and extensive thought on android 4.4. Rafael we love you. 

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">Android 4.4 'KitKat' -The More Compatible, Intelligent and Simple Android Ever"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/android-4.4-kitkat.html</a>

DY365 TV -Popular Satellite Channel of Assam, India Hacked

DY365 TV -Popular Satellite Channel of Assam, India Hacked By Dr41DeY (Nigerian Cyber Army )

Hacker going by the alias name of Dr41DeY, from a hackers community named Nigerian Cyber Army strikes again. After his much discussed hack of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), this time also he targeted what it called yet another high profile website of one of the leading 24-hour satellite channel of Assam, India named 'DY365 TV.' While talking with VOGH representative the hacker confirmed that, manipulating some untold vulnerability he managed to gain administrative access into the official website DY365 TV. But this time without tampering data, the hacker just left a message on the home page saying "Hacked By Dr41DeY @Nigerian Cyber Army." Like earlier this time also Dr41DeY created an image archive as a proof of this hack. This attack taken place on the 3rd of December, and after couple of hours of hack, DY365 authorities have responded to the incident and restored their site, and also sources confirmed that the security hole has also been patched. Though this popular Assamese broadcasting channel refuses to give any statement regarding this issue. 

Brief About DY365:- It is a 24-hour satellite channel of Assam, India. DY365 broadcasts news in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali and English language. It was launched on October 30, 2008. DY365 is a unit of Brahmaputra Tele Productions Pvt. Ltd. Manoj Kumar Goswami is the editor-in-chief of the channel. The channel gained popularity is a very short span of time, and now it's recognized as one of the leading channel of North East India. 

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">DY365 TV -Popular Satellite Channel of Assam, India Hacked"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/DY365TV-satellite-channel-of-assam-hacked.html</a>

TeamSpeak Official Forum Hacked! Redirecting Users Into Malicious DotCache Exploit Kit

TeamSpeak Official Forum Hacked! Infecting Users By Malicious DotCache Exploit Kit

A serious security breach has compromised official forum of TeamSpeak, according to sources hackers have gained access inside the server and injected malicious script into the landing page of TeamSpeak official forum. Expert malware analyzer have figured out that the attack was thoroughly planned in order to infect millions of users while redirecting them to a DotCache exploit kit landing page as illustrated below 

TeamSpeak is a very famous Brazilian company who offers (VoIP) software that allows computer users to speak on a chat channel with fellow computer users, much like a telephone conference call. Users use the TeamSpeak client software to connect to a TeamSpeak server of their choice, from there they can join chat channels and enjoy the excellent VoIP service. Mostly it is used by millions of gamers across the globe. 

Basically we can consider TeamSpeak is a high value target, so did the hacker. Researchers said that the exploit kit landing page is hosted on atvisti.ro, a forum for ATV enthusiasts that's also been compromised. In a statement well known malware analyst & security researcher Jerome Segura said- if the Java exploit succeeds the final payload is loaded. In this particular example, the payload was the Zero Access Trojan which an Anti-Malware from Malwarebytes detects as Rootkit.0Access. The matter of a bit relief is that the malware has not yet been spotted in the wild. According to a statistic by Virus Total, only 7 of 46 leading antivirus can detect this type of malware. Exactly like TeamSpeak, a few days earlier Kahu Security researchers uncovered a similar compromise on the forum for the Nissan Pathfinder Off Road Association (NPORA) in both cases, JJEncode was used to obfuscate the malicious script. To avoid further infection, TeamSpeak forum has already been informed, an as expected they have over come this issue. For detail analysis of the above said malware you can visit official blog post of Malwarebytes. 

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">TeamSpeak Official Forum Hacked! Redirecting Users Into Malicious DotCache Exploit Kit"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/TeamSpeak-forum-hacked.html</a>

Pakistan People's Party Official Website Hacked By Dr41DeY (Nigerian Cyber Army)

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Official Website Hacked By Dr41DeY (Nigerian Cyber Army)

A new young hacker going by the alias name of Dr41DeY, from a newly formed hackers community named Nigerian Cyber Army target a high profile website of Pakistan and blown the official website of Pakistan People's Party (PPP). As per relevant sources; this cyber attack taken place on November 30th where the hacker has managed to gain access on the server of PPP and after gaining access he deleted important files from the server and changed the site index page. In other word has defaced People's Party index page with the logo of Nigerian Cyber Army while leaving few warning to the webmaster. After the hack, the hacker has created what it called a image archive to prove the defacement. People's Party has not yet officially responded to this issue, but immediately after the hack taken place, PPP authorities have sent their site offline. And after few years the index page get restored while displaying the message of  "Website is under Development, it will come live soon. Sorry for inconvenience". By the time of writing this story, the website of PPP remained under construction. 

Brief About Pakistan People's Party (PPP):- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is a mainstream political party in Pakistan. It is led by "life chairperson" Benazir Bhutto. The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) is a party formed in 2002 by the PPP for the purpose of complying with electoral rules governing Pakistani parties. At the last legislative elections, 20 October 2002, the party won 25.8 % of the popular vote and 71 out of 272 elected members, thus gaining the second-largest number of seats in the Parliament of Pakistan. The party was founded in 1967, on November 30th and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became its first chairman. The party creed is: "Islam is our faith; democracy is our politics; socialism is our economy; all power to the people."

SHARE OUR NEWS DIRECTLY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS:-
<a href=">Pakistan People's Party Official Website Hacked By Dr41DeY (Nigerian Cyber Army)"https://www.voiceofgreyhat.com/2013/12/pakistan-peoples-party-website-hacked.html</a>