Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that a 23-year-old man from Sutton Coldfield in the British Midlands region was arrested and accused of taking part in the cyber attack, where hackers obtained the details of about 800 of the department's staff, including email addresses and phone numbers.
NCA and @WMROCU arrest suspect in @DeptofDefense hack http://t.co/0zr3wcBCdy @DoDNews pic.twitter.com/a7Xch4dEOB
— NationalCrimeAgency (@NCA_UK) March 6, 2015
On top of the staff information, details from more than 30,000 devices were also taken, however the NCA confirmed that information was unlikely to have an impact on America's security interests.
The NCA say that after the hacking the attack, the person responsible posted screenshots taken from the dashboard that is used to control the database, along with a series of bizarre messages.
#CyberCriminals think they’re anonymous online. They’re wrong
— NationalCrimeAgency (@NCA_UK) March 6, 2015
"We smite the Lizards, LizardSquad your time is near. We're in your bases, we control your satellites. The missiles shall rein upon thy who claim alliance, watch your heads, ** T-47:59:59 until lift off," the message said.
"We're one, we're many, we lurk in the dark, we're everywhere and anywhere. Live Free Die Hard! DoD, DISA EMSS: Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services is not all, Department of Defense has no Defenses."
Jeffrey Thorpe, the Special Agent in Charge at the US Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) said the arrest demonstrated their international commitment to catching cyber criminals.
"This arrest underscores DCIS commitment and the joint ongoing efforts among international law enforcement to stop cyber criminals in their tracks, DCIS Special Agents will use every tool at their disposal to pursue and bring to justice those that attack the Department of Defence," he said.
The arrest comes amid a crackdown on cyber criminals in the UK, with the NCA confirming the arrest was one of 57 made by police forces across Britain this week.
Andy Archibald, Deputy Director of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said investigations into cyber crime will continue in light of the latest developments.
"Behind this week's activity is the message that all of us, as individuals, businesses or law enforcement agencies, have a role to plan in making the UK a safe place to enjoy the huge opportunities provided by the internet."
"Awareness of the type of cyber crime dangers which are out there is vital, whoever you are, as is collaboration between organisations across different sectors, regions and countries to develop the most effective ways of combating those threats," said Archibald.
