A Hacker Tied to Yemen Cyber Army Gets 20 Months in Prison
In a significant victory for law enforcement, a UK hacker linked to the notorious Yemen Cyber Army has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in website defacements and the possession of stolen user data.
Meet Al-Tahery Al-Mashriky: The Master Hacker
Al-Tahery Al-Mashriky, a 26-year-old man from South Yorkshire, was behind the infamous hacking campaign that left millions of people's personal data exposed. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested him in August 2022 after U.S. intelligence linked him to extremist hacker groups Spider Team and Yemen Cyber Army.
According to forensic analysis, Al-Mashriky was a prolific hacker who claimed to have infiltrated over 3,000 websites in just three months of 2022. He operated under several online aliases, using these platforms to spread propaganda-driven messages that furthered his own religious and political ideology.
The Yemen Cyber Army: A Hacktivist Group on the Rise
The Yemen Cyber Army (YCA) is a hacktivist group that has been active since 2015. Declaring support for the Houthi movement in Yemen's conflict, the group gained notoriety for defacing websites and leaking data targeting government agencies, media outlets, and organizations in Saudi Arabia and its allies.
While some researchers believe the YCA has ties to Iran-backed actors, the extent of this connection remains uncertain. The group's operations are primarily propaganda-driven, aiming to spread political messages rather than financial gain. Their attacks often cripple websites, causing significant disruption to users and organizations.
The Consequences of Al-Mashriky's Actions
Al-Mashriky's actions had far-reaching consequences. His website defacements left millions of people's personal data exposed, including credentials that could have been used to target and defraud unsuspecting individuals. The NCA revealed that he also possessed stolen user data, which he could have exploited for malicious purposes.
"His offending centred around gaining unauthorised access to the websites, then creating hidden webpages containing his online monikers and messaging that furthered his religious and political ideology," reads a statement published by the NCA. "He would often target websites with low security, gaining kudos in the hacking community for the sheer number of infiltrations."
A Warning to Hackers Everywhere
"Cybercrime can often appear faceless, with the belief that perpetrators hide in the shadows and can avoid detection," warned Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit. "However, as this investigation shows, the NCA has the technical capability to pursue and identify offenders like Al-Mashriky and bring them to justice."
This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement is closing in on hackers who operate with impunity, putting millions of people at risk. As we move forward, it's essential to prioritize cyber security awareness and education, ensuring that individuals are equipped to protect themselves against the ever-evolving threats of online crime.