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Computer hijacking arrests in UK and across Europe Computer hijacking arrests in UK and across Europe
(35 minutes later)
Four people in the UK have been arrested in connection with the hijacking of computers. Fifteen people have been arrested, including four in the UK, in connection with the hijacking of computers.
A further 11 people were arrested across Europe as part of several raids co-ordinated by Europol.
Police say the individuals were using software designed to remotely control computers - allowing for the stealing of information.Police say the individuals were using software designed to remotely control computers - allowing for the stealing of information.
The other arrests were made in Estonia, France, Romania, Latvia, Italy, and Norway.
The practice, which in some instances can grant access to a victim's webcam, is known as "Ratting".The practice, which in some instances can grant access to a victim's webcam, is known as "Ratting".
The phrase takes its name from the malicious software used to gain control - Remote Access Trojans (Rats).The phrase takes its name from the malicious software used to gain control - Remote Access Trojans (Rats).
Using Rats to view people through their own webcams, without their knowledge, is becoming "increasingly common" according to the UK government-backed Get Safe Online advice website.Using Rats to view people through their own webcams, without their knowledge, is becoming "increasingly common" according to the UK government-backed Get Safe Online advice website.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it arrested two 33-year-old men, and a 30-year-old woman, in Leeds.The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it arrested two 33-year-old men, and a 30-year-old woman, in Leeds.
A 20-year-old man was arrested in Chatham, Kent, while a 19-year-old man had his home searched in Liverpool and was brought in for "voluntary questioning".A 20-year-old man was arrested in Chatham, Kent, while a 19-year-old man had his home searched in Liverpool and was brought in for "voluntary questioning".
More arrests were made in Estonia, France, Romania, Latvia, Italy, and Norway, the NCA said.
They are all accused of knowingly using Rats to spy on multiple targets.They are all accused of knowingly using Rats to spy on multiple targets.
"Victims are typically infected by being convinced to click on a link purporting to be a picture or video, or disguised as a legitimate file, but is instead an installer for the Rat," the NCA explained in a statement."Victims are typically infected by being convinced to click on a link purporting to be a picture or video, or disguised as a legitimate file, but is instead an installer for the Rat," the NCA explained in a statement.
"In many cases, those who unwittingly install such trojans will have no indication that their machine is infected.""In many cases, those who unwittingly install such trojans will have no indication that their machine is infected."
How to protect your webcamHow to protect your webcam
Source: ChildNet International and CeopSource: ChildNet International and Ceop
As well as the arrests, the NCA said it was warning other users that the software was illegal, and its use would result in further action.As well as the arrests, the NCA said it was warning other users that the software was illegal, and its use would result in further action.
"The illegal use of Remote Access Trojans is a significant cybercrime threat, demanding this kind of strong, co-ordinated response from international to local UK level," said Andy Archibald, deputy director of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit."The illegal use of Remote Access Trojans is a significant cybercrime threat, demanding this kind of strong, co-ordinated response from international to local UK level," said Andy Archibald, deputy director of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit.
"Suspected users of Rats are continuing to find that, despite having no physical contact or interaction with their victims, they can still be identified, tracked down and arrested by the NCA and its partners.""Suspected users of Rats are continuing to find that, despite having no physical contact or interaction with their victims, they can still be identified, tracked down and arrested by the NCA and its partners."
An investigation by BBC Radio 5 live in June last year looked into the growing problem of Ratting.An investigation by BBC Radio 5 live in June last year looked into the growing problem of Ratting.
One victim, student Rachel Hyndman, told the station: "I was sitting in the bath, trying to relax, and suddenly someone potentially has access to me in this incredibly private moment and it's horrifying.One victim, student Rachel Hyndman, told the station: "I was sitting in the bath, trying to relax, and suddenly someone potentially has access to me in this incredibly private moment and it's horrifying.
"To have it happen to you without your consent is horribly violating.""To have it happen to you without your consent is horribly violating."
The investigation uncovered websites where hackers share pictures and videos of their victims.The investigation uncovered websites where hackers share pictures and videos of their victims.
Follow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBCFollow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBC