Microsoft, FBI take aim at global cybercrime ring

FIGHTING CYBERCRIME: Analysts work in a watch and warning centre of a cybersecurity defense lab in Idaho. Microsoft said its Digital Crimes Unit on has successfully took down at least 1,000 of an estimated 1,400 malicious computer networks known as the Citadel Botnets. - Reuters

Microsoft Corp and the FBI, aided by authorities in more than 80 countries, have launched a major assault on one of the world's biggest cybercrime rings, believed to have stolen more than US$500mil (RM1.5bil)from bank accounts over the past 18 months.

Microsoft said its Digital Crimes Unit on Wednesday successfully took down at least 1,000 of an estimated 1,400 malicious computer networks known as the Citadel Botnets.