As so often happens when the Powers that establish Law and Order fail to protect us, folks take matters into their own hands. It's only natural, I think.
One doesn't really need to study, or be particularly tech savvy to know that there really isn't enough being done to prevent cybercrime.
And, I think we understand that there are aspects to this *new* "shadow economy" that make it very difficult, if not impossible, for the Powers That Be to be effective, should they even try to do something about cybercrime.
The other day, when a person called me (at Aplus Computer Aid) for my help "to make these porno popups go away", and I had to tell them that they had been tricked into installing a rogue antivirus.. and explained all the implications.. they were somewhat stunned, and muttered, "I'd like to find the guy who did this to me.."
His was a typical reaction.
(For more on rogues, and to see an instructional video, please see my article, Scare Tactics.)
Almost everyday, someone asks me, "what is being done about this?", and I tell them the truth; basically, nothing.
How would you find the guy? And when/if you did track him down, in the Ukraine, or China, or Bangladesh, or Peru.. how would you prosecute him?
I am pleased to report that cybercrime is being taken more seriously by the Powers, and the laws are changing. International cooperation is starting to happen. But that didn't stop an estimated $105 Billion dollar loss last year.
BILLION.
$105.
(Hey, that's what insurance is for.. right?)
But let's get back to today's title, shall we? I just read that recently a company had received a blackmail threat:
"St. Louis-based Express Scripts disclosed last week it received an anonymous letter that included the names, Social Security numbers, birth dates and, in some cases, prescription information of 75 members. The writer or writers threatened to release millions more of similar records if the business failed to pay an unspecified sum of money."
Cyber-extortion.
After following proper procedures (such as notifying law enforcement), and looking at all their options, a new -- and I hope effective -- strategy was decided upon. This company has decided to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to the conviction of these extortionists.
They've posted a bounty.
History has shown that where's there's a bounty, there's going to be bounty hunters.. and so I hope that this is just the first such offer of reward. Somebody needs to go after these guys.
Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved.
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