Cops make arrest in case of gaming attack that stole Christmas


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Police in the UK have made an arrest relating to the cyber attacks which brought down the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network portals over Christmas.


The mean-spirited attack prevented thousands of gamers getting full enjoyment from their brand new Xbox One and PS4 consoles received and bought over the holiday period.


Now police on Merseyside have arrested a man in Southport as part of an investigation into computer hacking offences. The cops say it was aided by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.


“SEROCU, supported by the National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the operation which focused on the denial of service attack of Sony Playstation and Xbox systems in 2014 and ‘swatting’ offences,” said the UK’s Serious Organised Crime United in a statement on Friday (via NYT).


Swatting is a term used to describe an offence where individuals and groups provide false information to law enforcement, knowing the police will respond with tactical units.


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The hacking group known as Lizard Squad have claimed responsibility for the attack. It is unclear whether the person arrested is a member of that organisation.


No charges have yet been filed against the individual arrested as part of the investigation.