The other two-thirds are often businesses silently cleaning up their network messes, hoping to dodge public embarrassment or falling stock prices. FBI officials estimate there are three hacking attempts an hour. Businesses and government agencies trade threat warnings, network training opportunities and tips to remain secure. But it's not for a lack of trying, law enforcement insists. New federal regulations protect medical and financial information.
Amended laws address computer network security.
The state General Assembly approved legislation this year that raised penalties for invading computers for vital information. Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office has a computer crimes coordinator based in Alexan dria. The Department of Justice sports a computer crime section. Virginia State Police turns to units specializing in both computer evidence recovery and high-tech crime. The only problem, law enforcement adds, is folks don't use them enough.