Illegal Hacking of Set Top Boxes

Global giant Virgin Media enlisted CY4OR’s expertise when suspicions arose that fraudsters were selling illegal set top boxes that allowed customers to access subscription television channels for free on the Virgin Media cable network.

What CY4OR was asked to do

CY4OR was appointed by Virgin Media to assist in compiling crucial forensic evidence to stamp out this kind of criminal activity. The commercial implications of the case were huge, going on to set a precedent for future fraudulent activity.

What CY4OR did

The forensic investigation carried out by CY4OR revealed irrefutable evidence that the illegal set top boxes had been hacked to receive subscription television channels.

In this case, Lancashire Police obtained warrants to remove computers from various addresses in the Lancashire region. CY4OR worked closely with Virgin Media to analyse the equipment for evidence of fraudulent activity. CY4OR successfully achieved this, proving that computers had been used to hack the set top boxes.

CY4OR submitted evidence at the trial and provided two forensic investigators to act as expert witnesses for the duration of the trial.

Outcome

As a result of conclusive evidence provided by CY4OR, the defendants now face up to six years in prison. Virgin Media hopes that the successful outcome of this case will act as a severe deterrent to others committing this type of crime.

Malcolm Davies, head of fraud and security at Virgin Media, said: “The CY4OR team was dedicated to providing clear and concise evidence throughout the investigation. This case should act as a serious warning to others, to make sure they steer clear of this type of crime.”