Microsoft takes down websites used to create 750 million fraudulent accounts

Microsoft has seized several fraudulent websites and halted their operations after identifying that they were part of a criminal enterprise operating out of Vietnam. The organization, known as Storm-1152, created fraudulent Microsoft accounts to sell to cybercriminals, generating millions in illicit earnings. Microsoft’s actions highlight the growing role private-sector companies are playing in cybersecurity enforcement. Experts believe the seizure will disrupt the criminals’ operations, at least temporarily, and will serve as a deterrent for other cybercriminal groups.