14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Corp. has been known for being a target of numerous software attacks as well as pirating attempts. But don't think that they just sit back and take it. With initiative in hand, Microsoft helped Bulgarian authorities arrest a total of eight people last week on charges that they were part of an international phishing ring that operated dozens of bogus Web sites mimicking official Microsoft MSN pages.
By sending spoofed MSN customer support addresses, the "MBAM" Gang (Microsoft Billing Account Management) were able to convince recipients into divulging credit card information. The Bulgarian NSCOC (National Services to Combat Organized Crime) agency, the data was used to purchase numerous goods along with wire transfers of more than $50,000 U.S., German and British credit cards. The group of eight allegedly launched 46 phishing attacks using 43 hacked Web servers located in 11 countries around the world.
Microsoft handed the information over directly to the NSCOS and also provided them with technical assistance while there was an investigation. Horacio Gutierrez, associate general counsel for Microsoft Europe said, " We are pleased to have collaborated with the Bulgarian authorities in their swift and effective action in this case? Microsoft believes vigorous criminal enforcement against phishers is essential to show cyber-criminals that there are consequences to their illegal actions."
Microsoft is one of the many companies that also polices and hunts down cyber crime. They played a big role in last year's capture of the Zotob worm's author. Microsoft even offers a phishing filter add-on for its MSN Search Toolbar and has said it will include protection in the upcoming Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 7 products. In hindsight, Microsoft acted fairly quickly by limiting the MBAM Gang's to only netting $50,000. They were also quick to act about Zoobon, a pirating scheme in the UK.