The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led an International BlackShades Malware Takedown in more than 19 countries worldwide to arrest the allegedly more than 100 hackers and to stop the widespread of the "malicious software" called the BlackShades.

The FBI New York Field Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, announced the result of the takedown in May 19, 2014, revealing the alleged culprits behind the spreading of the questionable software. The FBI named Alex Yücel, a Swedish national and Michael Hogue, a U.S. citizen who plead guilty of the cyber-crime, as the co-developers of the BlackShades. Following its creation, the malware was sold to thousands of users in over 100 countries, thus, resulting to the infection of more than 500,000 devices globally.

On the course of the FBI investigation, the person who assisted on marketing and selling of the malware as well as the other two who spearheaded the spreading of the software by installing the BlackShades into unsuspecting computers were tracked and arrested. As part of the thorough investigation, the FBI, in their field stations interviewed an approximate of 100 individuals, executed email and physical searches, and seized domains used by BlackShades users to conduct illegal takeover of the malware infected devices.

What is the BlackShades Malware?

BlackShades is a type of a malicious software (malware) that serves as a Remote Access Tool (RAT). When a device is infected, it allows a hacker to gain control of the device devoid of the user's knowledge.

Since 2010, BlackShades is already lurking in unsuspecting devices and was used in different forms of cybercrimes such as taking photos of women and girls through their webcams according to Europol.

The dangers it could bring to infected devices.

Computers infected with BlackShade can be accessed and controlled by hackers. This gives unwanted people access to the victim's files. Hackers can also take control of the computer's mouse, screen, and can even record the victim's private log-in information.

Alarmingly, the unwanted user can activate the computers camera to take a photograph, record a video, or spy on the victim's private spaces.

Ways to know if a device has been attacked?

Due to the "hiding" abilities of the BlackShades malware, it would be difficult for anti-virus program to detect whether a device has been infected. It is very important that users understand the threat and watch for the signs of possible infection.

For thorough assistance on how to check whether a computer has been infected, please refer to the FBI page. [Click Here]

How to protect your device from BlackShades Malware?

Users can protect their devices from the malware by updating their anti-virus programs, creating strong passwords and enabling their pop-up blocker.

Mr. Preet Bharara, the U.S.Attorney for the Southern District of New York noted that the investigation on the BlackShades cyber-crime case is still ongoing. In a statement in the FBI official press release, Bharara reiterated the dangers the BlackShades malware can bring.

"Blackshades' flagship product was a sophisticated program...it is inexpensive and simple to use, but its capabilities are sophisticated and its invasiveness breathtaking. As today's case makes clear, we now live in a world where, for just $40, a cybercriminal halfway across the globe can-with just a click of a mouse-unleash a RAT that can spread a computer plague not only on someone's property but also on their privacy and most personal spaces."