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Japanese Spyware Developer Busted
John Stith
Staff Writer
2006-01-27
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Authorities arrested Atsushi Takewaka, 31, on suspicion of stealing Internet bank account passwords and using them to raid money from online bank accounts totaling into the millions of yen.
Investigators say Takewaka along with Kiichi Hirayama, 41, plotted to swipe the banking password of a jewelry store in Kawasaki. They lifted ¥ 216,000 from the account. Police also say the two men had other similar illicit activities in which they managed to get ¥11 million from nine other accounts at Japan Net Bank, Mizuho Bank and eBank Corp back during the summer.
Apparently, the two men have come mostly clean about their larcenous activities. According to the report, Takewaka told the police, "I created the spyware in about three months using a range of software. I wanted money to live." The same report claimed Hirayama admitted to sending out CDROMs with spyware to companies and get their banking information that way.
"Spyware which steals Internet banking customers is on the increase, so it's essential that everyone ensures they have proper protection in place," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "It's encouraging to see computer crime fighters around the world having more success in catching the perpetrators, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Everyone needs up-to-date anti-virus protection, firewalls and security patches, and ensure they are acting securely when online."
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About the Author:
John is a staff writer for SecurityProNews covering cyber security.
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