Security News > 2022 > January > Europol shuts down VPN service used by ransomware groups
Law enforcement authorities from 10 countries took down VPNLab.net, a VPN service provider used by ransomware operators and malware actors.
The law operatives seized 15 servers used by the VPNLab.net service and took down its main site, so the platform is no longer available.
Cybercriminals use VPN services to hide their real location and identity and obfuscate their online tracks by redirecting network traffic through multiple encryption tunnels.
"Law enforcement took an interest in the provider after multiple investigations uncovered criminals using the VPNLab.net service to facilitate illicit activities such as malware distribution," Europol said.
As further detailed by the Ukrainian cybercrime police in a separate press release, this particular service has been used in at least 150 ransomware attacks.
In December 2020, Europol coordinated another similar take-down action against Safe-Inet and Insorg VPN, two service providers known for catering to cybercriminal activity.