Virgin Media is fighting Spyeye trojan

UK CABLE AND INTERNET OPERATOR Virgin Media has called in the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) as it steps up its war against the Spyeye trojan.

The firm said that it is continuing an initiative it started last year that was designed to protect its customers against the 'more malicious forms' of internet malware and is working with SOCA to warn its customers if they have been infected.

The trojan, which collects personal and banking information is a high level threat, according to the firm, and has already been responsible for some £500,000 in unauthorised bank withdrawals.

"Cybercrime is on the rise and the increasing sophistication of malware infections mean that all internet users could be at risk with devastating effects," said Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media.

"We are taking this proactive approach to help protect our customers and to provide them the support and advice they need to stay safe online so that they can enjoy the best of the internet without the worry."

Of course anything like this is likely to induce panic, and although Virgin Media said that it provided the security at no extra cost it did subtly remind us that home users have 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 that 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 revealed in its statement.

"In its efforts to track and curb the spread of malware such as the SpyEye trojan, SOCA detected around 1,500 Virgin Media customers infected with the SpyEye trojan present and at risk of identity theft or fraudulent bank activity."

Virgin Media has written to its infected customers with advice on how to get rid of the 'particularly nasty trojan', while Lee Miles, SOCA head of cyber crime fighting applauded its efforts and, again, reminded home users to do their bit.

"It is [important] for consumers to help protect their finances and personal information by ensuring their computers are equipped with up-to-date security software," he explained. µ