In a significant blow to the cybercriminal community, an international coalition of law enforcement agencies from eight countries has successfully taken down two notorious hacking forums and two related cybercriminal services. The operation, revealed on Thursday, marks a major milestone in the global fight against cybercrime.

The two hacking forums, Cracked and Nulled, were seized and shut down as part of the operation. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Cracked had over four million users since 2018, generating around $4 million in revenue by trading in cybercriminal tools and stolen information. The data on the cybercrime forums affected at least 17 million Americans, with many more victims worldwide.

The DOJ highlighted several examples of the harm caused by the illegal activities on these forums. In one case, a woman in New York was allegedly "cyberstalked," "sextorted," and harassed by someone who used a product offered on Cracked, which promised access to "billions of leaked websites" by letting users search for stolen login credentials. The victim's credentials were obtained using the tool, and the perpetrator sent sexually demeaning and threatening messages.

Another product on Nulled claimed to contain the names and Social Security Numbers of 500,000 U.S. citizens. Nulled, which operated since 2016, had more than five million users and over 43 million posts advertising hacking tools and stolen data. The DOJ said Nulled had an annual revenue of around $1 million.

The DOJ has charged Lucas Sohn, a 29-year-old Argentinian living in Spain, with being an "active administrator" of Nulled. Sohn faces criminal charges for several cybercrimes, including trafficking passwords and other data to access computers without authorization. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in passwords, 10 years in prison for access device fraud, and 15 years in prison for identity fraud.

The takedown of these hacking forums is a significant achievement in the global effort to combat cybercrime. By disrupting the illegal activities on these platforms, law enforcement agencies aim to prevent further harm to millions of individuals and businesses. The operation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime, which knows no borders.

The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement agencies worldwide. As cybercrime continues to evolve and pose significant threats to individuals and organizations, it is crucial that authorities remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to combat these illegal activities.

The takedown of Cracked and Nulled serves as a warning to cybercriminals that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. It also highlights the need for individuals and businesses to remain vigilant in protecting their online presence and personal data. As the cybercrime landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that we stay informed and proactive in our efforts to combat these threats.