Microsoft exposes Yam Store phishing network tied to 1 billion scam messages
Microsoft Threat Intelligence and its Digital Crimes Unit disclosed a Chinese-language phishing ecosystem built around a marketplace called Yam Store, tracked as Storm-3119. The operation sold phishing kits and infrastructure, including repurposed Microsoft and Google domains, and since January has sent over one billion phishing emails and texts to more than 75,000 organizations worldwide. Microsoft and Resecurity identified three kits used in the campaigns—CoGUI, Haozi/Phoenix, and Iron Man System—linked to developers tracked as Storm-2990.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The use of expired or legitimate Microsoft and Google domains suggests attackers are deliberately exploiting trust signals that both victims and automated security tools rely on, making detection harder. The scale and kit-based structure indicate phishing has become an accessible, commercialized service, lowering the barrier for less skilled actors to launch large campaigns, a trend Microsoft suggests is compounded by AI tools that can generate convincing lures.
- Yam Store marketplace enabled sale of phishing kits and trustworthy-looking domain infrastructure.
- Over 1 billion phishing emails and SMS messages sent to 75,000+ organizations since January.
- Three kits—CoGUI, Haozi/Phoenix, Iron Man System—were tied to developers tracked as Storm-2990.
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Published there as: “Yam Store: The Phishing Network Behind a Billion Messages”
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