An international cybercrime investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with the support of Europol, has led to the shutdown of a remote computer control mechanism that allowed hackers to secretly access and control their victims’ computers.
The AFP-led operation uncovered a network of individuals linked to the use of the malware, known as IM-RAT, across 124 countries.
The police said the software allowed cybercriminals to secretly gain remote control over a person’s computer, allowing them access to a wealth of personal information.
Once installed, the software gave the intruder access to documents, photographs and other files, allowed it to record keystrokes and even activate the computer’s webcam – all without the victim’s knowledge.
Acting Commander of Cybercrime Operations at the AFP, Chris Goldsmid said the success of the investigation was a testament to the importance of international law enforcement cooperation.
“These partnerships are critical to law enforcement being able to respond to rapidly-evolving and increasingly global crime types,” Acting Commander Goldsmid said.
“We are proud to work with our international counterparts to help prevent people falling victim to spyware,” he said.
“The offences enabled by IM-RAT are often a precursor to more insidious forms of data theft and victim manipulation, which can have far reaching privacy and safety consequences for those affected.”
Acting Commander Goldsmid said the hacks were “real crimes with real victims”.
He said the global investigation remained ongoing with Australia working closely with partners in the Belgium Police, New Zealand Police, National Police Corps of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the North West Regional Crime Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
More information about IM-RAT can be accessed via this PS News link.
