The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has joined with a number of law enforcement agencies from North America to unravel international malware attacks allegedly involving Australian criminals.
The AFP executed search warrants at an address in Lara, Victoria, as part of the coordinated effort with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Radio–Television and Telecommunications Commission and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Acting Commander and Manager of Cyber Operations at the AFP, Chris Goldsmid said the investigation targeted criminal networks involved in the use and distribution of malware, in particular Remote Access Trojan (RAT) technology.
“Criminals use RATs to gain unauthorised access to computer systems to commit a range of offences including theft of personal information and intellectual property,” Acting Commander Goldsmid said.
“The criminal use of this software in Australia constitutes offences under the Criminal Code Act 1995 including ‘unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment’. The maximum penalty is 10 years’ imprisonment.”
He said the operation showed the AFP had global reach, strong international partnerships and a commitment to stamping out this type of cyber-crime.
“It’s also a reminder for all Australians to practice good cyber hygiene,” Acting Commander Goldsmid said.
“We would like to remind the public of the importance of keeping their software updated.
“Vulnerabilities in old or unprotected software are often the target for criminals who wish to gain control over your system,” he said.
