Short Bytes: A hacking group named The Shadow Brokers has claimed to hack a group linked to the NSA. The hackers have posted a bunch of hacking tools and files online. They have also asked for 1 million in an auction to reveal more files. While the credibility of the hack remains questionable, many security experts are calling it legit.
The hacking group has leaked some private hacking tools and exploits. The hackers are also asking for 1 million bitcoin (about $568 million) in an auction to release all the files.
The incident took place on August 13 when The Shadow Brokers released files on GitHub. These hackers claim to have penetrated the Equation Group, a hacking group that’s broadly assumed to be the NSA.
A sample of these stolen files also poses a similarity with NSA’s hacking operations revealed in the Snowden leaks. The names of some common tools in both dumps are “BANANAGLEE” or “EPICBANANA.”
The dumped files contain installations scripts, exploits targeted to some specific firewalls and routers, and c&c server configurations.
Below is a part of the message by hackers:
At the moment, it’s not clear if the breach is real. However, multiple security experts from all across the world are finding the hack credible.
This #EquationGroup free dump seems mostly binary builds, installation scripts, and general configuration for a C&C. Seems credible.
— nex (@botherder) August 15, 2016
If this hack proves to be legit, it would be this year’s most high-profile hack. In any other case, it would be a neat plan to grab a big pile of cash.
Did you find this article interesting? Don’t forget to drop your feedback in the comments section below.
Also Read: Photos Show How NSA Implants Trojan In Routers For Hidden Access And Spying
