Amar Tagore, a 21-year-old university student, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for creating and distributing malware that targeted government and corporate websites. Tagore, from West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, generated nearly £45,000 from selling malicious software designed to disrupt online services.
Details of the Cyber Attacks
Tagore’s criminal activities came to light after a series of cyber attacks targeted the Jobcentre in Braintree, Essex, between May and August 2022. The attacks involved distributed denial of service (DDoS) techniques, which overwhelm websites with excessive internet traffic, causing them to go offline.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reported these disruptions, which prompted an investigation by the police. Tagore was linked to the attacks through a mobile phone found running a program named Myra. This program was used to launch multiple attack commands against the DWP’s computer systems.
Investigation and Charges
The police traced the Myra software and its associated IP address back to Tagore. The website associated with the malware offered various packages, including a “VIP+” option tailored to meet specific attack needs. Tagore, a third-year cybersecurity student, earned £44,433 from sales of his malicious software between January 2020 and November 2022.
Sineidin Corrins from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) highlighted the severity of Tagore’s actions. “His product had the potential to cause serious disruption to websites globally. He profited significantly from his criminal activities, but he is now facing the consequences.”
Sentencing and Financial Repercussions
At his sentencing in Dumbarton Sheriff Court, Tagore was informed that he would also face confiscation under proceeds of crime legislation. This action aims to recover the ill-gotten gains from his criminal conduct, ensuring that the financial benefits of his illegal activities are addressed.
The Impact of Tagore’s Actions
Tagore’s malware not only disrupted government services but also had the potential to affect numerous other websites worldwide. His actions have underscored the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for robust security measures to protect online infrastructure.
FAQ
1. What was Amar Tagore convicted of?
Amar Tagore was convicted of creating and distributing malware that targeted government and corporate websites. He pleaded guilty to a computer misuse offence and breaching proceeds of crime legislation.
2. What kind of attacks did Tagore’s malware perform?
Tagore’s malware was used to carry out distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which involve overwhelming websites with excessive internet traffic, causing them to become inaccessible.
3. How much money did Tagore make from his criminal activities?
Tagore earned approximately £44,433 from the sales of his malicious software between January 2020 and November 2022.
4. What was the impact of the cyber attacks?
The cyber attacks, particularly on the Jobcentre in Braintree, Essex, caused significant disruptions, affecting the availability of the website and potentially impacting government services.
5. What other actions will Tagore face following his sentencing?
In addition to his 21-month prison sentence, Tagore will undergo confiscation proceedings under proceeds of crime legislation, aimed at recovering the financial gains from his criminal activities.
6. How was Tagore identified as the perpetrator?
Tagore was identified through a mobile phone running the Myra program, which was used in the attacks. The IP address and other details linked to the malware were traced back to him.
