Blackshades Malware Takedown


May 19, 2014

The FBI is dismantling a cyber criminal organization that created and distributed a malware infecting more than a half a million computers worldwide.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI is dismantling a cyber criminal organization that created and distributed a malware infecting more than a half a million computers worldwide. Uses of the Blackshades Remote Access Tool…

Austin Berglas: …include access to the victims' computers, theft of passwords, web cam control, key logging ability, and denial of service attacks.

Halpern: That was Austin Berglas, assistant special agent in charge in FBI New York.

The FBI—along with 18 other countries—arrested, executed search warrants, and conducted other law enforcement actions against cyber criminals using Blackshades.

Executive Assistant Director Robert Anderson says the international law enforcement action is unprecedented.

Robert Anderson, Jr.: The bottom line is, I want people to understand that if anyone in or outside this country attacks Americans through cyber means, we’re going to hold them accountable.

Halpern: About 700,000 victim IPs have been identified. To learn how to determine if your computer is infected, visit www.fbi.gov. And if it is, report it at www.ic3.gov.

Berglas: That information will be automatically sent to the investigative team, and we'll be working through mitigation for all victims of Blackshades.

Halpern: From FBI Headquarters, I’m Mollie Halpern with FBI, This Week.

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