Posted by Virus Bulletin on Nov 4, 2010
VB Seminar speaker describes how m00p gang member exploited computer users.
A Scottish man pleaded guilty last month to 'causing unauthorized modification to the content of computers' as part of his involvement in the m00p hacking group.
The case was the culmination of a joint operation between the UK's Metropolitan Police and Finnish authorities who were investigating the group which infected tens of thousands of machines worldwide by sending malware attached to spam messages. Thirty-three-year-old Matthew Anderson's role was in distributing millions of spam messages.
DC Bob Burls of the Police Central e-Crime Unit - who will be speaking about botnets and cybercrime at the VB Seminar in London later this month - said: "This organised online criminal network infected huge numbers of computers around the world, especially targeting UK businesses and individuals. Matthew Anderson methodically exploited computer users not only for his own financial gain but also violating their privacy. They used sophisticated computer code to commit their crimes."
According to the Metropolitan Police, Anderson took control of the infected computers, on occasion activating their webcams to spy on their owners. During the investigation, screen grabs were found on Anderson's computers taken from webcams as well as copies of private documents including wills, medical reports, CVs, password lists and private photographs.
Burls continued: "The internet means criminals have increased opportunities to commit crime internationally, however I'd like to reassure the public that the international law enforcement and anti-virus companies response is increasingly sophisticated. As this case shows, criminals can't hide online and are being held to account for their actions. A complex investigation like this demonstrates what international cooperation can achieve."
Anderson will be sentenced later this month.
DC Bob Burls will present 'Botnets - the cybercriminal's weapon of choice' at the VB Seminar, 25 November, London, UK. Secure your place by booking online now. (Or download a PDF copy of the booking form and fax the completed form to +44 (0)1865 543153.)
Posted on 04 November 2010 by Virus Bulletin
