A global phishing targeted businesses and individuals across more than 150 countries has been disrupted following an investigation by Microsoft and Japan’s National Police Agency. The operation traced malicious activity to an online marketplace and 2 phishing platforms that collectively enabled more than 1 billion scam messages since January 2026.
The network involved YAM Store, CoGUI and Iron Man. According to Microsoft, the platforms generated tens of millions of dollars for their operators and targeted more than 75,000 organisations worldwide. More than 750 million of the messages targeted Microsoft customers alone.
The services reportedly allowed criminals to purchase stolen or fraudulent Microsoft and Google accounts and use phishing tools to distribute deceptive messages. YAM Store also allegedly hijacked expired web domains belonging to legitimate organisations and created websites for fake organisations to obtain Microsoft accounts for resale.
The Iron Man platform offered more than 2,300 templates that scammers could use to impersonate organisations, including banks and police departments.
Accounts and fraudulent websites blocked
As part of the disruption, Microsoft disabled more than 20,000 accounts linked to YAM Store and blocked over 100,000 web domains associated with impersonation and fraud.
Microsoft also worked with Health-ISAC, a cybersecurity organisation focused on the healthcare sector, to seize and redirect domains used to operate all 3 platforms.
The malicious messages targeted consumers, healthcare organisations, financial institutions and other businesses. The operation highlights how phishing marketplaces and ready-made scam tools can help cybercriminals carry out attacks on a large scale.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.