Threat Management, Network Security

Kripos arrests five men for pushing RAT

Five men were arrested by Kripos, Norway's national criminal justice investigation service, for using and selling malware, in particular a remote access Trojan (RAT).

The men possessed “substantial amounts” of technology and a number of internet accounts, which authorities have seized, according to a report by ZDNet. The report cited a Kripos statement, which said one of the men, whose ages range from 16 to 24 years old, ran web store that sold malware packaged to suit a clientele that wanted to seize control of computer networks.

The RAT discovered during the investigation is capable not only of logging keystrokes and stealing passwords, but of hijacking web cams in real time.

"We've seen young hackers who start up small-scale, but later commit larger and more serious computer crimes,” the report quoted Håvard Aalmo, who heads up the Kripos computer crime section, as saying in a statement. “Accordingly, this internationally-coordinated action is an important measure to prevent these types of crime."

ZDNet said the arrests and investigation are part of what's called OP Falling sTAR, an initiative aimed at netting bad actors involved in data and cybercrime across Europe. Norway will share the details of its investigations with the international community, the report said.

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.