Hackers Pilfer $1.4M From Swedish Bank

January 23rd, 2007: Customers of the Swedish bank Nordea have become the latest victims of internet fraud with Russian hackers making off with the largest reported amount of plundered booty to date.

The Swedish media is reporting that over a three month period, hackers stole around AUD$1.4 million from 250 of the bank’s customers using a piece of malware, a trojan disguised as anti-spam software.

Called haxdoor.ki, the malware enabled hackers to monitor the online activities of those who downloaded the software and collect log in details for the customer accounts. Once collected details were sent on to Russia via servers in the United States, after which money started disappearing.

Fingers have been pointed at the Russian mafia, and security firm McAfee has dubbed the theft as the largest case of online fraud reported to date.

"What is important is that none of our customers will have lost their money," said bank spokesman Boo Ehlin to the Swedish press. “We are doing all we can to stop this."

121 people have been implicated in the scam to date and two have been convicted. The ringleaders are, however, still believed to be at large.

The rate of phishing attacks and other online threats is growing dramatically, and until more formidable forms of security appear prevention via firewalls and antivirus software combined with user vigilance will remain the key to avoiding online fraud.

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