If you tried playing any of your games online during the holidays, you probably noticed that your system(s) were unable to log in to Sony or Microsoft's online servers. Apparently, a small group of hackers had initiated a DDoS attack on both Xbox Live and Playstation Network, which resulted in major problems for the services. The attack caused more problems for Sony's Playstation Network, as the service stayed down for almost a week. Xbox Live was only hampered for a few days.
One Merseyside resident has been arrested for having connections to the PSN and Xbox Live hackings.
"We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those who commit offences and hold them to account,” the head of the Cyber Crime Unit at SEROCU Craig Jones said. "We are still at the early stages of the investigation and there is still much work to be done.
"Offences referred to as 'swatting' involve law enforcement forces in the United States receiving hoax calls via Skype for a major incident in which Swat teams were dispatched. Cyber crime is an issue which has no boundaries and affects people on a local, regional and global level."
"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."
Deputy chief constable Peter Goodman contributed: "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.
"As we continue to build capability and develop skills across wider policing, we still need industry, communities and individuals to protect themselves by implementing basic security measures whilst taking full advantage and enjoyment of the opportunities the world wide web provides."
