British Teenager Arrested After Xbox And PlayStation hacks

A British teenager has been arrested following the cyberattacks that took the PlayStation and Xbox online networks down over the Christmas period.

The 18-year-old was being held today in Southport, Merseyside, on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material.

The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) said he was also arrested for alleged threats to kill – though who the threats were aimed at is unclear.

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The arrest occurred as part of a joint British and FBI-led operation to hunt down cyber-criminals and those who have committed “swatting” offences.

Swatting is where individuals provide false information online to law enforcement agencies in the United States that mobilises those authorities against a non-existent threat.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, national policing lead for cyber security, told ITV news that “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.”

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