UK law enforcement organisation the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) has warned of the growing threat to firms from e-crime, as criminals step up their efforts to mine sensitive customer data.
The newly released report, UK Threat Assessment of Serious Organised Crime 2008/9, highlights the growing criminal market for data, with social engineering attacks via phishing emails, and infection via keylogging malware the main methods of attack.
Soca said spam emails are often to blame, delivering this type of malware, or containing links to phishing sites.
The report also warns: "Databases containing the personal data of large numbers of customers, client or employees are targeted by criminal hackers who try to overcome security measures protecting the data so they can steal it in bulk."
Soca also recognised the increasingly professional nature of the criminal gangs behind such attacks. "These groups often consist of 10 to 30 online identities, with different roles divided within the group. Each group will typically have an inner circle of more technically advanced and/or experienced members who control access to the attack tools," said the report.
Calls for a new e-policy unit keep on coming 12 Dec 2007
On the anniversary of the scrapping of the UK confidentiality charter businesses are reluctant to discuss data breaches 10 Apr 2007
Fraud legislation changes should make it easier for firms to report incidents 10 Apr 2007
Delegates at the E-crime summit in London are told to review communication strategies in order to educate the public 28 Mar 2007
Fraudsters find many ways to con consumers 09 Jun 2009
Cyber criminals increasingly targeting consumers' confidential data 14 Apr 2009
New security reports show spam, phishing and malware used in blended threats 12 Aug 2008
Attack is the best form of defence, argues security firm 05 Jan 2009
Survey of public sector IT managers reveals deep concern over ability to deliver on carbon-neutral targets 03 Jul 2009
Fresh funding will provide new wave energy research equipment and support research 03 Jul 2009
EPA hints it could soon raise efficiency bar for routers, modems and storage systems 03 Jul 2009
More news
From record-breaking solar panels to the International Renewable Energy Agency's new home, we round up the top stories from the past week 03 Jul 2009
Well, I hope they got a no win, no fee deal. I don't like being cynical (it's more of a congenital thing)... 03 Jul 2009
Recycling waste heat is nothing new, so why has the computer industry not kept up? 01 Jul 2009 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
