Cyber Worker Allegedly Moonlighted as ShinyHunters Hacker

Dutch police have arrested Pepijn van der Stap, 24, on suspicion of cybercrime activities, according to his employer and other sources. He has been charged in connection with alleged extortion and hacking cases led by the group ShinyHunters, active since 2019 and described by Huntress as one of the most prolific data-theft and extortion organizations. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a tweet that a Dutch man was arrested in connection with ShinyHunters activity. The arrest came before the FBI breach ShinyHunters claimed last week, when the group also alleged it stole sensitive personal information about current and former FBI employees. Dutch authorities also suspect van der Stap of attempted incitement to commit two murders, unrelated to his alleged cyber role. Van der Stap previously worked as chief technology officer and offensive security lead at Amsterdam-based Neo Security; police searched and seized Neo Security servers, and an outside review found no evidence of tampering.