Arrests underline online fraud threat

The arrests and charges brought in the last 48 hours against those involved in the online theft of at least £6 million from bank accounts, serves as a stark reminder to consumers and businesses alike.

CIFAS Communications Manager, Richard Hurley, comments: "While the arrests demonstrate that criminals will be brought to account for their cyber crimes, what this also shows is just how sophisticated fraudsters can be. It is a warning to us all that we should all take every possible care when online, in the same way that we would in the physical world."

The use of ‘trojan' viruses and other forms of malicious computer software has long been public knowledge, but the ability of cyber criminals to use programmes of this type to infect computers and steal people's funds, without them even knowing, is one of the most alarming aspects of this case. Richard Hurley continues: "In the same way that just locking your car is not considered to be the best protection from potential car theft, protecting your financial details and computer is now a multi-layered task; requiring more than just ensuring that you visit safe websites. Firewalls, email filters, anti-virus and spy-ware programmes, using secure internet connections only: these are just a few of the many small steps we can all take to provide a first line of defence."