http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,23636,22437578-31037,00.html By Darren Osborne September 18, 2007 Article from: AAP AUSTRALIANS are being warned to watch out for identity theft and computer viruses, as hackers become more sophisticated in their attacks. The latest Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, for the first-half of 2007, suggests there has been a growth in the number of hackers trading malicious code and stolen information through their vast underground network. “This is no longer about kids having fun and getting kudos, this is about organised crime. It is being run like a business,” Symantec's Pacific vice president, David Sykes, said. “They are not just selling their fruits of their labour, but also selling the tools. One in particular, MPack, is a professionally designed tool kit, which you can buy for around $US1000 ($A1190).” MPack is one of the most popular malicious code packages available, providing hackers with the ability to develop “bots” that can infect servers, downloadable files and email attachments. The report also found that commercially available phishing code was responsible for 42 percent of attacks. People who receive phishing emails, and click on the embedded link, are directed to a fake website, which looks identical to the real thing, but collects log on and password details to be used or sold on the underground market. __________________________________________________________________ CSI 2007 is the only conference that delivers a business-focused overview of enterprise security. It will convene 1,500+ delegates, 80 exhibitors and features 100+ sessions/seminars providing a roadmap for integrating policies and procedures with new tools and techniques. Register now for savings on conference fees and/or free exhibits admission. - www.csiannual.com
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