Cybercrime is on the rise and criminals are operating with
sophisticated business models, says a report by security firm
Symantec.
E-Crime operations look increasingly like legitimate business
practises, said the Symantec Underground Economy Report published
today.
Cyber criminals are adopting increasingly professional business
models, such as conventional outsourcing models and advertising
strategies. Job roles are also clearly defined.
The underground operations were found to be recruiting job roles
such as Trojan creators, web exploiters, data collectors, and sales
and distribution operators.
Sellers were also found to be using the technology and anonymity
of the online communities to advertise their goods through online
forums.
Advertisers use common advertising techniques such as
multi-coloured text to highlight their goods and services over
those of competitors.
More than £176m worth of goods were found on offer, including
credit card data, bank account details, email accounts, and pirated
desktop games.
Cyber criminal groups are forming a self sustaining marketplace,
withdrawing millions of pounds from the traditional economy, the
report said.
Profits are re-invested in hiring developers for other scams or
to buy new phishing toolkits.
As long as individuals and organisations are not careful with
their security, they will be targeted by criminals because of the
considerable sum of money to be made, the report said.