UK internet operator Virgin Media tracks infected computers, informs users
17 Jun 2011
UK cable and internet operator Virgin Media has called in the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) for stepping up its war against the Spyeye trojan.
The firm said it was taking forward the initiative it launched last year to protect its customers against the 'more malicious forms' of internet malware and that it was working with SOCA to warn customers when they are infected.
The firm said the Trojan collects personal and banking information and poses a high level threat, and has already been responsible for around £500,000 in unauthorised bank withdrawals.
According to Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media, cyber crime was on the rise and the increasing sophistication of malware infections meant that all internet users could be at risk with devastating effects.
He said the company was taking a proactive approach to protect customers and provide them the support and advice they need to stay safe online so that they could enjoy the best of the internet free from worry.
According to experts, such steps though likely to induce panic, were necessary to remind home users that they had their own part to play in the security wars.
.
"Research conducted through [our] Digital Home Support service has highlighted that around a quarter of customers who get in touch with Virgin Media for support have not installed any type of computer protection or are failing to keep their security software up to date," it pointed out in its statement.
