Malware infects Virgin Media customers

About 1,500 Virgin Media customers have been found to be infected by the SpyEye trojan.

This malware is capable of capturing information a user inputs into a web form, including details such as those used to access online banking. Hacker using this tool could then have all the information required to transfer funds into their own accounts.

The infection was discovered by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which notified Virgin Media. Virgin has contacted its customers with details on how to remove the malware.

Lee Miles, head of cyber at SOCA, said: "SOCA works with a range of private sector partners to help prevent cyber criminals from exploiting legitimate businesses and their customers. We welcome steps taken within industry to utilise the information and resources provided by law enforcement and raise awareness of online safety.

"It is equally important, though, for consumers to help protect their finances and personal information by ensuring their computers are equipped with up-to-date security software."

Virgin said that a quarter of the customers who contact the company for support either have no anti-virus software, or do not keep it up to date.

The SpyEye trojan is comparable to the Zeus malware, which was used to steal more than £675,000 from customers of a major UK bank last year.

Home secretary Theresa May recently released details on the creation of the National Crime Agency, which many expect to replace SOCA.