Computer Press!

TARING alluringly into the camera with dazzling blue eyes and a rather daring outfit is the Russian student accused of a plot to defraud British and US banks of millions.

Kristina Svechinskaya, 21, has been dubbed the “world’s sexiest computer hacker” after being charged with being part of a gang aiming to steal $223 million. Wearing leather boots and skin-tight jeans, she wept during a court appearance this week. She was expected to appear in court again yesterday, charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and false use of passports. If convicted, she could be jailed for up to 40 years.

Kenya has risen to become the most insecure country in East Africa in terms of virtual threats, according to new industry findings.

International data security firm Kaspersky says Kenya now tops the list of East African countries for computers that are infected with dangerous threats and malicious viruses.

“Given East Africa’s recent Internet connectivity boom, with the landing of SEACOM the number of security infections in Kenya has increased approximately 10 times and roughly four times during the last six months,” said Mr Sergey Novikov, head of the region’s research at Kaspersky Lab.