"We are sending a strong message to those who seek to create, sell, or distribute fraudulent Microsoft products for cybercrime: We are watching, taking notice, and will act to protect our customers." Microsoft takes down cybercrime group Storm-1152

AI generated visualization of Microsoft fighting cybercriminals.

What you need to know

• With help from Arkose Labs and a court order, Microsoft seized the domains and U.S.-based infrastructure of the largest seller and creator of fraudulent Microsoft accounts.
• Storm-1152 is estimated to have sold 750 million Microsoft accounts to cybercriminals and ransomware groups.
• This is a big step in the right direction for companies like Microsoft to begin protecting themselves from these malicious groups that prey on both Microsoft and its customers.