Couple arrested over raids on internet bank accounts
Two suspected computer hackers have been arrested over a global plot to steal the banking details of millions of internet users.
The unemployed man and his student girlfriend are accused of infecting tens of thousands of computers with the ZeuS or Zbot trojan viruses that bypass security software to download personal details.
The pair, both aged 20, apparently ran the 'malicious scam', to steal millions of pounds, from their council house in Swinton, Manchester. The software can record online bank account details, passwords and credit card numbers.
Two suspected 'cyber criminals' have been arrested over an alleged plot to steal the personal details of millions of innocent computer users
By using a technique known as 'key stroking', it can retain every letter or digit punched in by an unsuspecting user.
It also copies passwords for social networking sites before causing each computer to forward private data to servers under the control of the hackers.
The virus has emerged in several guises, including a false Facebook page that encouraged users to download a software update.
Detective Superintendent Charlie McMurdie, of the Metropolitan Police's e-crime unit, said the virus posed a 'sizeable threat' to the safe use of the internet.
'We have 10,000 computers worldwide that have been infected,' she added. 'More than 200,000 lines of data were being compromised per day.'
Detective Inspector Colin Wetherill said: 'The Zeus trojan is a piece of malware [malicious software] used increasingly by criminals to obtain huge quantities of sensitive information from thousands of compromised computers around the world.
'The arrests represent a considerable breakthrough in our increasing efforts to combat online criminality.'
Investigators have now turned their attention to a suspected wider international network of criminals attempting to profit from the information.
Computer experts have warned the Zeus trojan can circumvent the most up-to-date anti-virus software.
Businesses and individuals have reported being attacked around the world as money is secretly transferred from their accounts.
Criminals launder the money through complex banking networks and use the accounts of willing 'money mules' to receive the money and withdraw it.
Miss McMurdie said the virus posed a 'sizeable threat' to the safe use of the internet.
She said: 'They were very significant arrests and we have got extensive ongoing investigations as a result with our international partners.'
Mr Wetherill added: 'The Zeus trojan is a piece of malware used increasingly by criminals to obtain huge quantities of sensitive information from thousands of compromised computers around the world.
'The arrests represent a considerable breakthrough in our increasing efforts to combat online criminality.'
The suspects were arrested a fortnight ago under the 1990 Computer Misuse Act and the 2006 Fraud Act. Bailed until March pending further inquiries, they are the first arrests to be made in Europe over the virus.
Trojans are programs or messages that look benign but conceal a malicious intent.
They are often distributed as attachments in email messages or as software downloads masquerading as legitimate programmes.
Banking details are the primary targets but the programs are also used to steal log in information from social networking sites.
Police recommend individuals and organisations regularly run anti-virus and anti-spyware software to combat the threat.
Two suspected computer hackers have been arrested over a global plot to steal the banking details of millions of internet users.
The unemployed man and his student girlfriend are accused of infecting tens of thousands of computers with the ZeuS or Zbot trojan viruses that bypass security software to download personal details.
The pair, both aged 20, apparently ran the 'malicious scam', to steal millions of pounds, from their council house in Swinton, Manchester. The software can record online bank account details, passwords and credit card numbers.
Two suspected 'cyber criminals' have been arrested over an alleged plot to steal the personal details of millions of innocent computer usersBy using a technique known as 'key stroking', it can retain every letter or digit punched in by an unsuspecting user.
It also copies passwords for social networking sites before causing each computer to forward private data to servers under the control of the hackers.
The virus has emerged in several guises, including a false Facebook page that encouraged users to download a software update.
Detective Superintendent Charlie McMurdie, of the Metropolitan Police's e-crime unit, said the virus posed a 'sizeable threat' to the safe use of the internet.
'We have 10,000 computers worldwide that have been infected,' she added. 'More than 200,000 lines of data were being compromised per day.'
Detective Inspector Colin Wetherill said: 'The Zeus trojan is a piece of malware [malicious software] used increasingly by criminals to obtain huge quantities of sensitive information from thousands of compromised computers around the world.
'The arrests represent a considerable breakthrough in our increasing efforts to combat online criminality.'
Investigators have now turned their attention to a suspected wider international network of criminals attempting to profit from the information.
Computer experts have warned the Zeus trojan can circumvent the most up-to-date anti-virus software.
Businesses and individuals have reported being attacked around the world as money is secretly transferred from their accounts.
Criminals launder the money through complex banking networks and use the accounts of willing 'money mules' to receive the money and withdraw it.
Miss McMurdie said the virus posed a 'sizeable threat' to the safe use of the internet.
She said: 'They were very significant arrests and we have got extensive ongoing investigations as a result with our international partners.'
Mr Wetherill added: 'The Zeus trojan is a piece of malware used increasingly by criminals to obtain huge quantities of sensitive information from thousands of compromised computers around the world.
'The arrests represent a considerable breakthrough in our increasing efforts to combat online criminality.'
The suspects were arrested a fortnight ago under the 1990 Computer Misuse Act and the 2006 Fraud Act. Bailed until March pending further inquiries, they are the first arrests to be made in Europe over the virus.
Trojans are programs or messages that look benign but conceal a malicious intent.
They are often distributed as attachments in email messages or as software downloads masquerading as legitimate programmes.
Banking details are the primary targets but the programs are also used to steal log in information from social networking sites.
Police recommend individuals and organisations regularly run anti-virus and anti-spyware software to combat the threat.
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