The acronym RATs was coined to describe software that can remotely take control of a victim’s computer. After infecting a system, RATs spy on a user’s computer, stealing personal data such as passwords and credit card information. They can install and run software, and can even turn on a user’s webcam and microphone to record remotely.
Twelve suspects in their teens and early 20s were arrested during the operation which involved multiple house searches and evidence seizures.
Europol’s European Cybercrime Center worked with police agencies in nine European countries, sharing intelligence and identifying suspects.
Law enforcement officers seized a large number of computers and internet accounts during house searches. According to AFP, the suspects are not believed to be members of a single organization
Those arrested in Romania are suspected of carrying out cyber-attacks against the US, reported online news website Phys.org.
Meanwhile, Norway's Kripos national criminal investigation service announced the arrest of five males, aged between 16 and 24 years, for possessing, using, and selling malware, according to online news website ZDNet.
Kripos added in a statement that one of its suspects confessed to running his own web store to sell malware. The store sold a packaged product for customers aiming to infect and control a network of computers by utilizing computer viruses and Trojans.
