Daily Skimm: Operation Cookie Monster, Indiana, and Emily's

Operation Cookie Monster

The Story

International authorities crumbled a cybercrime network.

I'm ready to indulge.

Earlier this week, the FBI along with law enforcement from 16 other countries brought down Genesis Market. The Russian-linked online marketplace allowed cybercriminals to shop around for stolen emails, passwords, and IP addresses. Hackers could pay anywhere from 70 cents to hundreds of dollars to gain access to victims’ bank accounts and services like Netflix and Amazon. On top of that, Genesis Market also sold programs that provided continuous access to victims’ personal information — meaning hackers got every password and login update. Since 2018, Genesis Market has been one of the biggest marketplaces for stolen information, offering more than 80 million account credentials. Now, authorities are touting the takedown, saying it should “serve as a warning to cybercriminals.”

How did they follow the cookie crumbs?

International authorities worked together to get the invitation needed to access Genesis Market. The operation, dubbed “Operation Cookie Monster” (a reference to your browser ‘cookies’), seized 11 domains belonging to the organization. Then — as the US likes to often do — authorities waved their victory flag by putting a banner on the site, stating it had been seized. Law enforcement also arrested nearly 120 users, including suspects in the US. It's the second time in a month that international law enforcement brought down an illegal hacking operation. Intelligence analysts warn it's only a matter of time before a new network could be up and running. But for now, the Justice Dept is calling its latest takedown a “blow to the cybercrime ecosystem.”

theSkimm

Cybersecurity is top of mind for many — from TikTok to this latest operation. As the world continues to develop new tech, hackers seem to have a larger playground. In the meantime, if you're wondering if you've been the victim of a data breach, here's a free resource that authorities recommend.

Where LGBTQIA+ rights are being restricted…

Indiana. Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN) signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. It comes a day after Idaho passed a similar measure, and as at least 11 other states have limited or banned gender-affirming care. Now, starting on July 1, it'll be illegal for kids and teens under 18 in Indiana to use hormone therapy or puberty blocking drugs, or access surgeries that assist with transitioning. Those who are already taking gender-affirming medications have to stop by the end of the year. Holcomb said only adults can decide on “permanent gender-changing surgeries with lifelong impacts.” Medical associations have called gender-affirming care life-saving, especially since transgender children can have higher rates of depression. The American Civil Liberties Union sued Indiana in efforts to stop the ban.

• The impact: According to one study, 300,000 kids aged 13 to 17 identify as transgender in the US. About 20% of them are estimated to live in states that have gender-affirming bans in place.

…Oh and speaking of members of the LGBTQIA+ community being targeted, Bud Light's partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney has prompted right-wing backlash.

Who could be paying millions…

The DOJ. Yesterday, it reached a tentative $144.5 million settlement with the families of the 26 people killed in a 2017 mass shooting. In 2021, a judge found that the Air Force was "60% liable" for the shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The judge said the Air Force failed to add the gunman’s criminal history into an FBI background check system, which would have prevented the gunman from buying the guns used in the shooting. The judge ordered the Air Force to pay $230 million to the victims' families, but the DOJ appealed. Now, it seems they've settled for more than half the funds. A court still has to approve the settlement. The associate attorney general said “no words or amount of money can diminish the immense tragedy of the mass shooting.”

Who people are mourning…

Bob Lee. Earlier this week, the Cash App founder and MobileCoin CPO was stabbed to death in San Francisco, according to his family. Local police said a 43-year-old man “suffering from apparent stab wounds” died at a hospital. Officials have yet to announce a suspect or motive. MobileCoin, the cryptocurrency start-up, also confirmed Lee's death yesterday. The CEO described him as a “force of nature” and “a child of dreams.” Apart from his role at MobileCoin, Lee also served as the first chief technology officer of Square. His death has left the tech world shocked and grieving.

What's got New Zealand soccer players feeling blue...

Period anxiety.

Who's in Paris and everywhere else…

Emily.