iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Group-IB assessed that the Russian-speaking cybercriminal group Silence was likely behind a May 2019 cash-out at Dutch-Bangla Bank (DBBL) ATMs in Bangladesh. Local media reported that $3 million was stolen, but Group-IB said the actual amount could have been higher. Neither that figure nor the attribution was independently confirmed in the public accounts reviewed.
What happened at Dutch-Bangla Bank?
Group-IB’s July 3, 2019 report said the final stage of an operation that had been underway for months culminated in Dhaka on May 31, 2019. The company cited CCTV footage showing two Ukrainian cash mules withdrawing money from DBBL ATMs. Their faces were covered, and they made phone calls before withdrawals, according to Group-IB’s account.
Group-IB said DBBL hosts with external IP addresses had communicated with a command-and-control server it associated with Silence since at least February 2019. It assessed that the operation likely used Silence.Downloader, also known as TrueBot, Silence.MainModule, and Silence.ProxyBot. Those malware and infrastructure details are the vendor’s analysis, not a public forensic finding by Bangladeshi authorities.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How much money was taken?
Local media reported a loss of $3 million, as cited in Group-IB’s report. Group-IB cautioned that the actual amount could have been higher. The public reporting does not establish an independently audited final total, so $3 million should be treated as a reported figure rather than a confirmed amount.
#1 Best Overall
- 1080P HD USB Camera with CMOS IMX323 Sensor: This USB industrial camera features a 1920×1080 resolution CMOS IMX323 sensor, delivering sharp images and accurate color reproduction for industrial inspection and PCB repair. With 30fps high frame rate, it supports MJPEG/YUY2/H.264 compression formats. The H.264 compression of this USB camera reduces bandwidth usage by 50% for smooth live streaming (Windows software for H.264 capture is provided).
- Manual Zoom Lenses for USB Industrial Camera: Equipped with a 2.8-12mm CS mount varifocal lens, this industrial USB camera offers flexible manual zoom control—easily adjust focal length to switch between wide-angle views (for large-area inspections) and close-up precision (for tiny PCB components).
- 0.01Lux Low Light USB Camera Performance: As a professional industrial inspection camera, it adopts a 2MP 1/2.9 IMX323 Color CMOS sensor, enabling it to capture clear images even in 0.01Lux low light conditions. This low light USB camera is ideal for various dim environments in industrial applications.
- Plug-and-Play USB Camera with Wide Compatibility: This mini USB camera is plug-and-play, requiring no driver installation. With a 4pin to USB connector, it easily connects to PCs and is compatible with Linux, Windows, Android, and Mac OS. Suitable for various devices like kiosks, vending machines, and computers for video conference.
- Versatile Applications of 1080P USB Camera: The 1080P USB camera is widely used in industrial settings such as video surveillance system, industrial inspection, PCB repair, ATM monitoring, and robotic vision. It also works well for live streaming, video conference, dashcam, and applications needing gesture tracking, iris recognition, depth and motion detection, thanks to its 0.01Lux low-light sensitivity and low distortion lens.
How might the attackers have made the ATMs dispense cash?
The precise cash-dispensing method was not resolved in Group-IB’s public account. Researchers described two possible routes, neither confirmed:
| Proposed route | How it could work | Status in public reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Compromise of the card-processing system | Access to the bank’s card-processing system could allow transaction limits to be altered. | One possibility raised by Group-IB; not established as the method used. |
| ATM jackpotting with Atmosphere | The Atmosphere toolkit could be used to make ATMs dispense cash. | An alternative possibility conveyed by Group-IB; not established as the method used. |
BleepingComputer also reported these as alternative explanations described by Group-IB’s Rustam Mirkasymov. The available account does not show which route, if either, was used in the DBBL incident.
Rank #2
- H.265/H.264 5MP POE IP Security mini ip Camera, POE(Power Over Ethernet),Resolution: 5MP@25fps;4MP@25Fps,3MP@30Fps
- POE Function,Power Over Ethernet,One Cable Transfer Data&Power
- Plug&Play,O-N-V-I-F,Motion Detect&Email Alert,FTP
- Remotely View By Free Mobile Phone App: XMEYE, Support smart mobile phone app,Tablet PC
Who did researchers blame, and what does that attribution mean?
Group-IB said Silence was likely responsible, pointing to its intelligence on Silence-associated infrastructure and communications involving DBBL hosts. That is a security-research assessment, not a court finding or an independently confirmed attribution from Bangladeshi authorities. Calling Silence Russian-speaking or a Russian group does not establish Russian government sponsorship; the public reporting cited here does not substantiate a state connection.
Recommended Free Tools
CyberScoop reported that local law enforcement had previously considered a possible Lazarus Group connection, based on local reports. That was a separate reported suspicion, not Group-IB’s conclusion. The reviewed reporting also mentioned attacks on NCC Bank and Prime Bank, which reportedly said they suffered no financial losses; it did not establish Silence’s responsibility for those incidents.
Rank #3
- Samsung by Hanwha XNB-H6241A
Is this the 2016 Bangladesh Bank SWIFT heist?
No. The 2019 incident concerned cash withdrawals from Dutch-Bangla Bank ATMs and Silence’s alleged role. The 2016 Bangladesh Bank incident involved the central bank and a SWIFT transfer scheme. CyberScoop explicitly warned against conflating the two events.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else did Group-IB say about Silence?
Group-IB said it knew of at least four other Silence attacks in Asia, but its 2019 report did not publicly detail all of those targets. The company framed the group as an international threat after it had tested its tools and techniques in Russia; that characterization does not itself prove state sponsorship.
Sources: Group-IB’s report; BleepingComputer’s report; CyberScoop’s report.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2MP FHD Auto IR Night Vision with Wide Viewing Angle: 2MP Super HD USB camera with 24pcs IR led lights,up to 90 degree wide viewing angle,capture more clearer and sharper images and video,great fit for driveway,hallways,indoor outdoor dog pet baby security monitoring etc.
- High Speed 480P@100fps Dome Camera:Usb camera with 480P 100fps high frame rate,recording more smoothly and stable,easy setup with plug and play,free driver,waterproof camera with Aluminum box housing fit for indoor and outdoor,residential areas retail store, business. Dome camera mini webcam with wide application for use in ATM machine,kiosk,vending machine,simple security system,teaching system,interactive.
- Experience Magnificent Full-HD 1080P with CMOS OV2710 Image Sensor. This USB Webcam comes with enhanced capability utilizing the 1/2.7” CMOS OV2710 image sensor. Wide 90 degree viewing angle,Android,PC Windows,Linux,Raspeberry Pi and Mac.Waterproof and durable,it could be widely applicable to indoor/outdoors.store,home,office,school,bus,taxi in snowy/rainy/sunny days.
- Dome Camera Full HD 1080P USB Webcam:Desktop Laptop Computer Web Camera,High Speed 100fps Indoor Outdoor Security Camera,Audio IR Night Vision Web Cam,Plug&Play,Dome Webcam for Windows/Android/Mac.High speed 2 megapixel dome usb camera 640X480@100fps,Max resolution:1920X1080.
- USB 2.0/Plug&Play/Free Driver usb dome camera.This usb dome camera is plug and play,free driver,Platform Compatibility:Skype,Youtube,Yahoo!@Messenger,MSN,Zoom,instant messaging applications.We want to ensure the safety of our customers,their loved ones,homes,and businesses and you’ll receive a full 1-year US Warranty and Lifetime Support provided directly from Webcamer_usb.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
