One such hazard is the ever-mushrooming market in "hackers for hire". In essence these are the IT equivalent of the Dogs of War, mercenaries with IT skills. Internet adverts for these are growing and the 'services' that they offer are wide ranging enough to cause every security manager to loose sleep.. . .
One such hazard is the ever-mushrooming market in "hackers for hire". In essence these are the IT equivalent of the Dogs of War, mercenaries with IT skills. Internet adverts for these are growing and the 'services' that they offer are wide ranging enough to cause every security manager to loose sleep. Business week has reported a case where for just $249 (£174) a Russian organisation promises to "destroy your web enemy".

Almost every hacking tool known can be found, relatively easily, on the web making it increasingly easy for cyber criminals to arm themselves. Added to this is the growth in computer skills in several of the world's poorer countries, a combination that makes cyber crime a difficult temptation to resist. There have been many instances where hacking and / or virus creation events can be tracked back to countries such as those in the former Soviet bloc, India and others in South East Asia. Many countries either have no legislation covering cyber crime or else they may be reluctant, for various reasons, to get involved with policing other people's problems.

So far most cyber crimes have been committed for personal gain or even fun. The progression to performing such acts for to third parties in return for cash is entirely predictable.

The link for this article located at IT-Director is no longer available.