Forensics Firm Warns of Web-Mole Threat
Added: (Tue Jun 13 2006)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Following reports of “webjacking”, a new type of crime sweeping the internet, computer forensics experts are urging legal practitioners to investigate its use in industrial espionage cases.
National computer forensics firm, Zentek Forensics, claims that whilst web-jacking is a new phenomena for home PC users, similar techniques are being widely-used in commercial environments.
Web-jacking involves planting a Trojan on a PC or server in order to gain access to or steal files, often with criminal intent. Trojan programs are so-called because they enter a system in a seemingly harmless way, but once activated release “malicious code” which effectively unlocks a back-door to PCs and servers.
Whereas home PC users are being taken in by the use of ‘pop-ups’ to plant the Trojan, businesses face an even bigger potential threat – from their people. In today’s cut-throat business environment, there is a rise in cases of companies sending spies into competitors. The moles’ go ‘undercover’ as employees to plant the Trojan directly onto computer hard drives, usually via a portable storage device such as a memory stick.
Even those with seemingly robust IT security are at risk, as John McConnell, Forensics Analyst at Zentek Forensics, explains:
“We had a case where a ‘key-logger’ had been installed by a cleaner, which captured the key strokes of the company and sent them to their competitor. They lost some major accounts, however we were able to discover the hidden Trojan on the system, which gave the company legal recourse.”
Legal practitioners are usually the first port of call for those suspecting industrial espionage, so the company is urging the profession to ensure it gives its clients the correct advice. John says:
“Computers, like any other crime scene, need to be treated carefully. The biggest issue in cases of industrial espionage is the preservation of evidence. For example, the simple act of opening an email or investigating file access by suspect employees could render data as inadmissible in Court.
“You should advise clients to call in computer forensic experts in cases of suspicion, at the earliest opportunity. The hardware can be then analysed in the proper manner, and any evidence recovered can be presented in Court.”
Advancements in the computer forensics industry over the past 10 years means it is playing an increasing role in prosecutions of all types of cases, ranging from fraud, terrorism, and industrial espionage to employment tribunal hearings and commercial contract breaches.
Zentek Forensics is a national computer forensics firm, dealing with a broad range of crimes involving computer-based evidence. It works with businesses and Police forces across the UK to investigate and prove cyber-crime.
For more information call Zentek Forensics on 0870 7584302, or visit www.zentekforensics.co.uk.
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PRESS RELEASE
Forensics Firm Warns of Web-Mole Threat
Following reports of “webjacking”, a new type of crime sweeping the internet, computer forensics experts are urging legal practitioners to investigate its use in industrial espionage cases.
National computer forensics firm, Zentek Forensics, claims that whilst web-jacking is a new phenomena for home PC users, similar techniques are being widely-used in commercial environments.
Web-jacking involves planting a Trojan on a PC or server in order to gain access to or steal files, often with criminal intent. Trojan programs are so-called because they enter a system in a seemingly harmless way, but once activated release “malicious code” which effectively unlocks a back-door to PCs and servers.
Whereas home PC users are being taken in by the use of ‘pop-ups’ to plant the Trojan, businesses face an even bigger potential threat – from their people. In today’s cut-throat business environment, there is a rise in cases of companies sending spies into competitors. The moles’ go ‘undercover’ as employees to plant the Trojan directly onto computer hard drives, usually via a portable storage device such as a memory stick.
Even those with seemingly robust IT security are at risk, as John McConnell, Forensics Analyst at Zentek Forensics, explains:
“We had a case where a ‘key-logger’ had been installed by a cleaner, which captured the key strokes of the company and sent them to their competitor. They lost some major accounts, however we were able to discover the hidden Trojan on the system, which gave the company legal recourse.”
Legal practitioners are usually the first port of call for those suspecting industrial espionage, so the company is urging the profession to ensure it gives its clients the correct advice. John says:
“Computers, like any other crime scene, need to be treated carefully. The biggest issue in cases of industrial espionage is the preservation of evidence. For example, the simple act of opening an email or investigating file access by suspect employees could render data as inadmissible in Court.
“You should advise clients to call in computer forensic experts in cases of suspicion, at the earliest opportunity. The hardware can be then analysed in the proper manner, and any evidence recovered can be presented in Court.”
Advancements in the computer forensics industry over the past 10 years means it is playing an increasing role in prosecutions of all types of cases, ranging from fraud, terrorism, and industrial espionage to employment tribunal hearings and commercial contract breaches.
Zentek Forensics is a national computer forensics firm, dealing with a broad range of crimes involving computer-based evidence. It works with businesses and Police forces across the UK to investigate and prove cyber-crime.
For more information call Zentek Forensics on 0870 7584302, or visit www.zentekforensics.co.uk.
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Notes to Editors
Zentek Forensics is the only computer forensics investigations firm in the UK to hold the ISO 9001: 2000 quality accreditation for its digital forensics investigations.
According to a recent case in February 2006, London-based Michael and Ruth Haephrati allegedly developed and sold a trojan program which was widely used in industrial espionage. 45 companies sustained damage as a result.
John McConnell, Forensic Analyst:
John McConnell left Greater Manchester Police in July 2004 after 14 years exemplary police service, his last 7 years being spent investigating crimes involving computer-based evidence.
During this time John studied Forensic Computing at the Royal Military College of Science (RMCS) and was the first individual in the UK to graduate with a Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Computing. His experience of Internet investigations was such that he was invited to lecture on computer forensics at this college. He has been responsible for training many of this country’s law enforcement community.
John has been involved in over 3OO investigations involving computer based evidence and is a member of the Academy of Experts and F3. He is widely respected and an experienced expert witness.
Press Enquiries
To arrange an interview with John McConnell, please contact Dawn Neville at Results PR on 01204 370019, or email dawn@results-pr.com.