Russia continues to dominate the headlines with regard to its possible involvement in cyber intrusions. Aside from hacking into the Yahoo user database in the past, Vladimir Putin's government has also figured prominently into the breaching of US Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton's emails.
This time, Russian involvement has been traced in Europe where the Czech Police apprehended a suspect in connection with the illegal acquisition of 117 million encryptions on the LinkedIn domain back in 2012. The social network company has corroborated the online intrusion.
In a statement, LinkedIn has reiterated that it has actively participated in the investigation. The job search organization has also thanked the FBI for the federal bureau's efforts in pursuing those liable of criminal intent.
According to the Czech Police, the arrested Russian has already been under the FBI radar for his supposed infiltration of American targets. The Interpol, meanwhile, has raised a red notice that led to the capture of the suspect.
It has been known that the apprehended individual was in shock when arresting officers stormed his hotel in Central Prague. Prior to the arrest, the man has been seen driving a luxury car with his girlfriend. He has been taken to a hospital after fainting.
After the hacking incident in 2012, LinkedIn initially claims that around 6.5 million passwords were snatched. However, the figure has been changed to an estimated 117 million in May.
The social network group has further added that huge bunches of stolen login records are being disposed in the black market.
Meanwhile Russian authorities are preparing counter moves that will repel any initiative that will bring the suspect into American custody. Currently, the hacker is waiting for a directive about his extradition to the US.
According to Alexey Kolmakov, a Press Secretary for Prague's Russian embassy, efforts to protect the rights and interests of its citizen is in the works.
It has been cited that the apprehension of the Russian suspect came allegedly upon the orders of a US court. The diplomat further insists that the man be turned over to Russian authorities.
