SOCA reveals further details about SpyEye Trojan Virus

The Serious Organised Crime Agency, has revealed further details about the SpyEye Trojan computer virus currently believed to have infected up to 1,500 broadband customers computers.

The SpyEye Trojan is a new form of computer virus that allows hackers to steal broadband users banking details.

The broadband provider Virgin Media has already contacted its customers with instructions about how to remove the virus. The virus was reportedly discovered by the SOCA during its investigations into the growing cyber crime black market.

The agency reportedly discovered the infection when it found stock-piled lists of IP addresses that were sending data back to the hackers. Upon further examination the agency discovered that the IP addresses belonged to Virgin Media customers.

The SpyEye Trojan virus was first detected all the way back in 2009. The virus was originally created by an as yet unidentified individual working under the pseudonyms "Gribodemon" and "Harderman".

The product was advertised around hacker and cyber crime internet forums and sold for as little as $500 (£310). Since then numerous criminal organisations and individuals have used the virus to steel broadband customer's bank details.

The virus is particularly problematic as there are numerous ways it can find its way onto a user's computer. Targeting Microsoft's Windows operating System, the SpyEye Trojan virus can be hidden in everything from weblinks to corrupted download files.

The letter distributed by Virgin urged users to change their passwords and contact them should they suspect any nefarious activity in their accounts.