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October 10, 2008 2:56:30 PM CDT

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Data Thieves Smarten Up, Branch Out

Posted Sep 17, 07 2:41 PM CDT in Technology 

(Newser) – Hackers are getting smarter, more international, and increasingly well funded, a new report on Internet security reveals. One scam involves gangs acting as middlemen for other would-be criminals; some rip-off artists use social networking sites to research a mark, then send a personalized email to trick the target into giving up personal data, PC World reports.

The report, by Internet security maven Symantec, also breaks down prices for stolen data. Bank account numbers fetch the highest prices, up to $400 each, with email passwords topping out at $350. The firm is also seeing a surge in a sophisticated strategy that implants a small program, which then downloads more dangerous programs.

Source PC World

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Bank account details can command prices of up to $400, while credit card details usually sell for between $0.50 and $5.00   (Index Open)
Bank account information sells the highest of all personal information acquired by online con artists and hackers.   (Shutterstock.com)
Well-funded international groups of criminals are responsible for a recent increase in the quality and quantity of stolen information available for sale on the internet.   (Index Open)
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A satirical video, "L33t Haxxors," addresses both online crime, and alarmist responses.   (mezzanine224 (YouTube))

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Tags

Internet  • Internet security  • hackers  • data theft  • Symantec  • online fraud


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