Four arrested and 31 warned in anti-cyber crime investigation

FOUR people have been arrested as part of a UK-wide probe targeting people suspected of using cyber tools to get around anti-virus computer protection.

The investigation centres around a platform used by malware developers before they launch cyber attacks to test samples for their ability to evade popular off-the-shelf anti-virus software.

Police say four arrests were carried out over four days at the start of June at addresses in Wales, and in Yorkshire and Humber, the south-eastern and eastern regions of England.

South Wales Police confirmed a warrant was conducted at an address in the Bargoed area of Caerphilly on Tuesday, June 6.

Alongside the arrests, officers conducted 31 “cease and desist” visits to young people who are first-time offenders, or on the fringes of offending, and may not realise the damage malware can cause.

Senior investigating officer David Cox, from the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Regional Organised Crime Units across the UK have taken swift effective action against those who attempt to use malicious software and have also played a vital part in deterring young offenders from committing cyber crimes in the future.

“I think a lot of people who put antivirus protection on their computers would be astonished that there is a whole industry dedicated to trying to get around that protection.

“It’s why keeping anti-virus software up to date is so important.”

Four people have been released under investigation in order for further inquiries to be undertaken.