Lizard Squad Caught? DDoS Attacks And Possible ‘Swatting’ Lead To Second Arrest
Was the Lizard Squad caught again? It is uncertain if the notorious DDoS attackers are responsible for the recent Xbox Live and PSN down periods, but a second arrest has been made.
Attacks over the holidays upset gamers around the world when the “hacker group” claimed to be taking down Microsoft and Sony’s online networks. This made it impossible for people with a new Xbox or PlayStation to get any updates, download any DLC content, or even install the necessary Day One updates to make the consoles run correctly.
Lizard Squad caught our attention in full when it happened, and took credit for it all, though it was possible that they weren’t doing it for our own good like they claimed. According to their Twitter posts made over the holidays (which have since been deleted or had their accounts taken down), it appeared that they were doing it more for the attention rather than to make us spend time with our families.
U.K. Police have arrested a teenager claiming responsibility for similar DDoS attacks, as well as other possible shenanigans. In cooperation with the U.S. FBI, the Finnish 18-year-old was taken into custody and had his/her computer and electronic equipment seized under suspicion of hacking, as well as threats to kill and “swat” various targets. The first arrest was made on New Years Eve 2014, when 22-year-old Vinnie Omari was said to be connected to the Lizard Squad attacks.
This may be the first time we’re seeing Lizard Squad arrested for allegedly “swatting,” though. The crime involves calling police and inducing a false raid on a celebrity’s home, wasting police resources and time. If the group is indeed responsible for the actions alleged, gamers won’t be the only ones thankful for seeing the Lizard Squad caught.
Craig Jones, head of the South East Regional Organized Crime Unit’s (Serocu) cyber division, says they are working with the U.S. authorities to take down the group.
“This investigation is a good example of joint law enforcement cooperation in relation to a type of criminality that is not restricted by any geographical boundaries.
“We are pursuing cyber criminals using the latest technology and working with businesses and academia to further develop specialist investigative capabilities to protect and reduce the risk to the public.”
Lizard Squad claimed to be doing the DDoS attacks in order to force networks to improve their security. It seems all they’re accomplishing is making law enforcement more effective at finding and getting the members of groups like Lizard Squad caught.
UK police have arrested a second person in the Xbox and PlayStation network attacks http://t.co/zlJD4jtEdu pic.twitter.com/5wkYpEGN5i
— The Verge (@verge) January 16, 2015
Deputy chief constable Peter Goodman stated how important it is to find and eliminate the group.
“This is a significant arrest … of a UK citizen suspected of engaging in serious and [organized] cyber crime on the national and international stage.
“This arrest demonstrates that we will pursue those who commit crime with the false perception they are protected within their own homes or hiding behind anonymous online personas.”
It may only be a matter of time before the efforts of the U.K. Police and FBI investigators’ efforts get the Lizard Squad caught and arrested. Then perhaps gamers as well as celebrities can finally get back to living their lives.
[Image via Daily Dot, Know Your Meme]
