U of A student arrested and charged with cyber crimes

A University of Alberta student is facing numerous charges in connection with an alleged cyber-attack on university-owned computers.

University of Alberta Protective Services notified the Edmonton Police Service in late November, after becoming aware of a malware infection on the university’s network. The Edmonton Police Service Cyber Crimes Investigations Unit launched an investigation shortly thereafter.

Acting Sgt. Phil Hawkins of the EPS Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit confirmed both incidents took place between Nov.17^th and Dec. 8^th, 2016. In the first incident, the university’s response team located the malware on 287 computers, which potentially affected more than 3,300 faculty, staff and students. In the second incident, the malware was found on 17 computers and affected 19 students.

Yibin Xu, 19, is charged with mischief in relation to computer data, unauthorized use of computer services, fraudulently intercepting functions of a computer system and use of a computer system with intent to commit an offence.

Xu’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2017.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2hXbswq