FBI tackles huge cyber crime investigation
Ah their parents must be proud.
In one of the largest cyber criminal cases the FBI has ever investigated, the crime fighting agency today released a package of information about the bust this week of an alleged group of criminals that targeted the accounts of medium-sized companies, towns, and even churches. Before they were caught, members of the theft ring managed to steal $70 million, the FBI stated.
Using a Trojan horse virus known as Zeus, hackers in Eastern Europe infected computers around the world. The virus was carried in an e-mail, and when targeted individuals at businesses and municipalities opened the e-mail, the malicious software installed itself on the victimized computer, secretly capturing passwords, account numbers, and other data used to log into online banking accounts, the FBI stated.
Here are the details behind the ring and the wanted poster from the FBI.
If you want to read more, read these stories:
Zeus Trojan bust reveals sophisticated ‘money mules’ operation in U.S.
Court documents released in connection with indictments announced on Thursday in a massive international cybercrime operation that resulted in millions of dollars being plundered from domestic bank accounts provide a fascinating — if scary — glimpse into how the crooks operated within the U.S.
Zeus trojan bank-theft scheme extends to the U.S.
More than 60 people will be charged in the U.S. with using the Zeus trojan to steal millions of dollars from U.S. banks as part of a scheme that resulted in similar charges in the U.K. earlier this week.
11 Eastern Europeans charged in UK Zeus bust
They worked as Web designers, supermarket workers, day laborers, some were unemployed. But U.K. police say that the group of Eastern Europeans, picked up in early morning raids Tuesday also made millions by operating a network of bank-robbing Trojan horse programs.
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