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Consumers reminded of need for proper online security

Computer users have been reminded about the importance of having proper internet security following the jailing of a crook who preyed on young women after taking over their webcams.

A young girl found herself being blackmailed with her own nude pictures, which had been taken after 47-year-old computer technician hacked into her PC after infecting it with a trojan hiding behind an email attachment.

The hacker then threatened to send the girl's nude pictures to her email contacts if she did not pose naked for him. She refused and contacted authorities who arrested the man in 2005.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, said: "Most spyware is designed to steal your identity, your passwords, your banking information - but it is just as easy to program a Trojan horse to take over your webcam.

"Everyone needs to treat computer security as paramount importance to ensure they do not fall victim to an internet blackmailer or peeping tom."

The hacker has been sentenced to four years in jail.

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