National Crime Agency warns of cyber attacks on UK bank accounts
Britain's top crime agency has warned internet users to protect themselves against cyber attacks which have seen fraudsters steal millions from UK bank accounts.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a virus is being used by hackers to harvest online banking details and gain access to accounts across the country.
Dridex malware has been developed by technically skilled cyber criminals, with UK losses estimated to run to £20 million.
At least one "significant arrest" has already been made, after thousands of UK computers were thought to have been affected.
Mike Hulett from the NCA said: "This is a particularly virulent form of malware and we have been working with our international law enforcement partners, as well as key partners from industry, to mitigate the damage it causes.
"Our investigation is ongoing and we expect further arrests to made."
Computers become infected with the virus when users receive and open documents in seemingly legitimate emails, the NCA said.
Those with internet bank accounts have been encouraged to visit the CyberStreetWise and GetSafeOnline websites where a number of anti-virus tools are available to download to help clean up infected machines and get advice and guidance on how to protect themselves in the future.
The NCA is working to stop the affected computers from communicating with the cyber criminals controlling them. This activity is in conjunction with a US operation, currently being undertaken by the FBI.
Its executive assistant director, Robert Anderson said: "Those who commit cyber crime are very often highly-skilled and can be operating from different countries and continents.
"They can and will deploy new malware and we, along with our partners, are alive to this threat and are constantly devising new approaches to tackle cyber crime.
"We urge all internet users to take action and update your operating system. Ensure you have up-to-date security software and think twice before clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails".
"Cyber criminals often reach across international borders, but this operation demonstrates our determination to shut them down no matter where they are.
"The criminal charges announced today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners in international law enforcement and private sector. We continue to strengthen those relationships and find innovative ways to counter cyber criminals."
