Hackers given jail sentences

Computer Crime Units track internet criminals

UK police computer crime units scored two victories against hackers last week.

Investigations by the UK National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) led to the conviction of two hackers who helped create the TK internet worm, estimated to have caused £5.5m in damage.

Andrew Harvey, 23, and Jordan Bradley, 22, were sentenced to six and three months respectively at Newcastle Crown Court.

The Metropolitan Police’s Computer Crime Unit also successfully convicted Daniel James Cuthbert, 28, for trying to hack into the Disasters Emergency Committee web site on 31 December, while it was co-ordinating fundraising efforts for the victims of the Asian tsunami. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £600 in prosecution costs.