The hacking group known as Cyber Army Russia Reborn, with strong ties to Russian intelligence services, has targeted Book Maxi Cab Melbourne, a well-established taxi service operating in Melbourne, Australia for the past decade.
The hackers, renowned for their previous activities aligned with Russian interests, posted a database on the dark web containing what seems to be a list of IP addresses utilized by individuals booking trips on the Book Maxi Cab Melbourne website.
Book Maxi Cab Melbourne Data Breach
It is essential to note that the disclosed data in the alleged Book Maxi Cab Melbourne data breach does not contain any additional personal information.
The hackers posted a message accompanying the data dump, stating, “Dump*: https://bookmaxicabmelbourne.com.au Book Maxi Cab Melbourne is a well-known name in the taxi industry over the last 10 years in Australia. #FromCyberArmyWithLove.”
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Surprisingly, despite the Book Maxi Cab Melbourne data breach claim made by the hackers, the official website remains fully functional, casting doubt on the authenticity of the breach.
Attempts to verify the data breach claim by reaching out to the company’s officials have been unsuccessful at the time of reporting, leaving the assertion unverified.
First Australian Target for Cyber Army Russia Reborn
Book Maxi Cab Melbourne data breach marks the first instance where the Cyber Army Russia Reborn has targeted an entity in Australia, deviating from its typical focus on countries considered ‘russophobic.’
The group has recently released several databases, indicating a shift from their geopolitical targets.
Notably, in 2023, the Cyber Army Russia Reborn made headlines by openly advertising a position within their cybercriminal organization.
The group, unmistakably linked to Russian origins, sought to hire a chat admin or moderator for their dark web activities, raising eyebrows within the cybersecurity community.
Escalation of Pro-Russian Hacktivist Cyberattacks
The first pro-Russian hacktivist cyberattack occurred in December 2023 in Australia, following 300 days of the Russia-Ukraine war. Anonymous Russia targeted an Australian company, Meadan Homes, among others, marking a significant escalation in the region.
This incident further highlights the increasing coverage of Russian hacktivist activities in the APAC area.
Australia, since June 2022, has faced numerous cyber incidents, with the government openly blaming Russian cybercriminals for an attack on Medibank.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stated, “We believe that those responsible for the breach are in Russia… operating like a business, with affiliates and associates who are supporting the business,” after the Medibank breach.
Australia’s strong support for Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion has likely contributed to these cyber threats.
The defense ministry’s commitment to provide critical training to Ukrainian troops without direct involvement in the offensive has further escalated tensions. Australia has allocated approximately US$655 million in support to Ukraine, including US$475 million in military assistance, until October 2022.
As cyber threats persist, Australia finds itself navigating the delicate balance between international alliances and cybersecurity challenges.
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