- Apr 26, 2017
- 89
Two men were arrested on June 22 for hacking Microsoft following a major collaboration between the software company and law enforcement agencies like the FBI, EUROPOL, EMSOU (East Midlands Special Operations Unit), and the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU).
While the names of the two suspects have not been revealed, British media reports the two suspects are from Lincolnshire and Bracknell and are believed to be part of an international group that managed to break into Microsoft’s network between January and March 2017.
Police raided their homes and seized computers and evidence that could help with the investigation. One of the suspects is charged with gaining unauthorized access to a computer, while the other one was arrested for Computer Misuse Act offenses.
No customer data at risk
While very little is known about the hack itself, Microsoft explained in a statement that the hackers did not manage to access any customer data, pointing out that all systems were up and running following the attack.
“Today's action by authorities in the UK represents an important step... Stronger internet security depends on the ability to identify and prosecute cybercriminals. This requires not only a strong technical capability but the willingness to acknowledge issues publicly and refer them to law enforcement,” a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying.
“No company is immune from cybercrime. No customer data was accessed, and we're confident in the integrity of our software and systems. We have comprehensive measures in place to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks.”
While the two were arrested in the United Kingdom, police officers said investigations are currently under way in several other countries, with more arrests likely in the coming feature as part of the same international gang that hacked Microsoft’s network.
It remains to be seen if more details are provided on what information was accessed by hackers, as investigators are still trying to determine what parts of the networks the criminals have reached.
While the names of the two suspects have not been revealed, British media reports the two suspects are from Lincolnshire and Bracknell and are believed to be part of an international group that managed to break into Microsoft’s network between January and March 2017.
Police raided their homes and seized computers and evidence that could help with the investigation. One of the suspects is charged with gaining unauthorized access to a computer, while the other one was arrested for Computer Misuse Act offenses.
No customer data at risk
While very little is known about the hack itself, Microsoft explained in a statement that the hackers did not manage to access any customer data, pointing out that all systems were up and running following the attack.
“Today's action by authorities in the UK represents an important step... Stronger internet security depends on the ability to identify and prosecute cybercriminals. This requires not only a strong technical capability but the willingness to acknowledge issues publicly and refer them to law enforcement,” a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying.
“No company is immune from cybercrime. No customer data was accessed, and we're confident in the integrity of our software and systems. We have comprehensive measures in place to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks.”
While the two were arrested in the United Kingdom, police officers said investigations are currently under way in several other countries, with more arrests likely in the coming feature as part of the same international gang that hacked Microsoft’s network.
It remains to be seen if more details are provided on what information was accessed by hackers, as investigators are still trying to determine what parts of the networks the criminals have reached.
