Organized crime groups are reaching out to individuals with specific technological skills and exploring the possibilities of new technology. Many organized crime groups are now involved in forged payment card activity because it is a profitable enterprise, forging techniques are simpler and forged credit cards provide anonymity to users. Organized Crime and Technology Technology is a fact of life in both the legitimate and the criminal worlds and there is no question that organized crime groups use computers, wireless phones and the Internet to communicate and to do business. Of concern is the scope and sophistication of their use of technology and their knowledge of law enforcement interception, surveillance and other capabilities. Hackers High profile cases such as the Mafia boy investigation demonstrate the ability of hackers to manipulate web sites and to gain unauthorized access to secure computer systems and information.
Hackers are increasingly well organized and highly skilled.
Hackers discuss techniques and trade software in closed chat rooms. In turn, this software gives them the ability to effect as much damage as sophisticated hackers. There are indications that organized crime groups are reaching out to individuals with specific technological skills and exploring the myriad possibilities of new technology, including Internet-based schemes for profit like online gambling and securities fraud. Malicious Software Programs Hundreds of malicious software programs are available on the Internet. They allow individuals to control another person s computer remotely via the Internet if the victim can be duped into executing the program.