24-year-old Australian hacker arrested for allegedly creating and distributing a hacking tool to thousands of cyber criminals worldwide
A remote access trojan was designed to steal personal information and spy on unsuspecting targets by a 24-year-old Australian hacker who was arrested for allegedly distributing it to thousands of cyber criminals worldwide. Over $300,000 was made from the sale of the tool by its creator, who appears to have spent the majority of that sum on takeout and delivery starting at the age of 15.
Jacob Wayne John Keen, 24, was held on suspicion of supplying cybercriminals, perpetrators of domestic violence, and others from as many as 128 different countries with the trojan malware known as Imminent Monitor. The program lets users spy on unwary victims using their webcam and microphone, monitor data entered into documents, and steal their personal information.
The arrest was made after a global sting operation began in 2017. Operation Cephus was started by the Australian Federal Police after receiving suspicious information from the FBI and Palo Alto Networks.
Keen allegedly created the gadget when he was 15 years old and began marketing it for $35 per user while dwelling in his mother’s rental flat. The tool made between $300,000 and $400,000 until it was formally discontinued in 2019. The suspension followed the execution of many AFP-led search warrants that resulted in the seizure of equipment and other assets that held data regarding the development of the RAT. Keen was recently arrested as a result of further information that partner law enforcement agencies from around the world provided to AFP.
According to a review of the evidence by the authorities, takeout food was primarily purchased throughout Keen and Keen’s nine-plus-year engagement. He has been the target of six accusations since the beginning of the month; his court date is in August. Additionally, it appears that Keen’s mother, 42, may have been aware of the illicit activities and gained from them. She was charged with selling the intrusive equipment and making money off of its sales.
