NCA Warns UK Of Serious Cyber Attack On Financial Companies

Hackers target global financial institutions and payment systems with Dridex malware, with UK losses estimated at £20m, warns the National Crime agency (NCA)

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a warning about a “significant strain of malware” that has enabled criminals to steal millions of pounds from UK bank accounts.

Dridex malware – also known as Bugat and Cridex – is believed to have been developed by technically skilled cyber criminals in eastern Europe to harvest online banking details.

The stolen details are then exploited to steal money from individuals and businesses around the world.

Global financial institutions and a variety of different payment systems have been particularly targeted, with UK losses estimated at £20m.

The NCA said some private individuals may also have unwittingly become victims of the Dridex malware. The agency is encouraging all internet users to ensure they have up-to-date operating systems and antivirus software installed on their machines, to protect themselves from further cyber crime attacks.

Internet users are also urged to visit the CyberStreetWise and GetSafeOnline websites where a number of antivirus tools are available to download to help clean up infected machines and get advice and guidance on how to protect themselves in the future.

Anyone who thinks they have lost money through malware such as Dridex, should report their concerns to Action Fraud and alert their respective banks, the NCA said.

Computers typically become infected with Dridex malware when users receive and open documents in seemingly legitimate emails.The NCA said there could be thousands of infected computers in the UK, most being Windows users.

Source : www.computerweekly.com