Cyber Criminals Frustrated By Russian Crypto Currency Rules

Russian authorities introduced a new law regulating crypto currencies. This law may be connected with the Russian government’s desire to seek control over the Dark Web markets and its ransomware sector that became prolific over the past two years. 

As many of the cyber criminal economy operating from Russia, using crypto currency to transfer wealth this law will effect ransomware gangs in the region.

Recently Russian security services arrested members of the REvil group at the request of the US, and this had an effect on cyber criminals who had spent years viewing Russia as a place where they could victimise foreign targets without punishment. The  new laws may have effects on money launderers employed by criminal bands. 

One key recommendation of the Bank of Russia's is to ban local exchanges as just one means of promoting financial stability, national security and consumer protection.

The Bank of Russia's paper is not largely directed at cyber crime. Instead, it takes a realistic look at the potential dangers of crypto currency on an emerging nations' economies and energy security.  The Bank makes three major recommendations:

  • A complete ban on crypto currency mining in Russia.
  • Shutting down local crypto currency exchanges.
  • Additional penalties to existing laws barring the use of crypto currency to make direct purchases, although it would not prevent the purchase or ownership of crypto currencies from foreign exchanges.

The Bank fears that widespread investing in crypto currency would substantially reduce the national money supply, reducing local investment, and the volatility of the market could wipe out local wealth entirely. 

It also notes that Bitcoin mining presents a risk to its energy security, potentially requiring more electricity than the country is able to create. By establishing the cryto law the Russian government has built a legal base to take over ransomware criminal businesses.

According to research by Recorded Future there are 50 or more crypto-currency exchanges in Moscow City, a financial district in the capital, that in its assessment are engaged in illicit activity. Other exchanges in the district are not suspected of accepting cryptocurrencies linked to crime.

Al Jazeera:      SCMagazine:      Advintel:      NYTimes:  

You Might Also Read: 

Crypto Currency Fraud Costs £Millions:
 

« Google Sued over 'Deceptive' Location Tracking
Is US Cyber Security Actually Improving? »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Gartner insights into How to Select the Right ZTNA offering. Download this FREE report for a limited time only.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

CIO

CIO

CIO provides technology and business leaders with insight and analysis on information technology trends

Secure360

Secure360

Secure360 focuses on the following key areas: governance, risk and compliance, information security, physical security, business continuity management, and professional development.

Mondo

Mondo

Mondo is the largest national staffing agency specializing exclusively in high-end, niche IT, Tech, and Digital Marketing talent. Areas of expertise include Cybersecurity.

Flexential

Flexential

Flexential helps organizations optimize their journey of IT transformation while simultaneously balancing cost, scalability, compliance and security.

Mitre

Mitre

At Mitre we work across government to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. Areas of expertise include Cybersecurity.

Norsk Akkreditering

Norsk Akkreditering

Norsk Akkreditering is the national accreditation body for Norway. The directory of members provides details of organisations offering certification services for ISO 27001.

Vaadata

Vaadata

Vaadata are experts in ethical hacking. We secure your web, mobile and IoT platforms.

RISE

RISE

RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and over 100 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.

Calypso AI

Calypso AI

Calypso AI build software products that solve complex AI risks for national security and highly-regulated industries.

Falcongaze

Falcongaze

Falcongaze SecureTower is a comprehensive DLP solution for the protection of business against internal threats.

Amnesty Tech

Amnesty Tech

Amnesty Tech's Security Lab leads technical investigations into cyber-attacks against civil society and provides critical support when individuals face such attacks.

MDSec

MDSec

MDSec is a consultancy with a passion for information security. Our consultants specialise in application, mobile and hardware security and targeted red team attacks.

LogicBoost Labs

LogicBoost Labs

LogicBoost Labs has the expertise, experience, funding and connections to make your startup succeed. We are always interested in new ways to change the world for the better.

ShellBoxes

ShellBoxes

ShellBoxes are a leading Web3 company focused on providing top-notch blockchain security and development services.

Semgrep

Semgrep

Semgrep is a fast, open-source, static analysis tool for profoundly improving software security and reliability.

Closed Door Security

Closed Door Security

Closed Door Security is the only cybersecurity team in the north of Scotland offering everything from IASME Certification to CREST-Accredited penetration testing.