However, some elements may prefer to remain covert using the increased opportunities of the Y2K event to avoid detection. The Y2K period may provide significant opportunity and cover for criminal activity. For example, illegal activity such as billing fraud may be misdiagnosed as a Y2K transition problem. Espionage Actors sponsored by nation-states or industry competitors may look to the Y2K transition period as an opportunity for espionage activities. Professional data miners may use it to cover their activity, while perceived attention to security during the period could serve as a disincentive.
Motivation varies from disgruntled employees to simple theft to industrial and national espionage.
The most likely scenario is one with an increased noise level with several new viruses or exploits, where the main players are independent intruders. Attention-seeking attacks will include graffiti and viruses. There will be increased probing of systems, as there is at any time of heightened attention. Although individually these attacks can be dealt with locally in the usual manner, there is a danger that the increased volume of attacks will create its own momentum and make timely remediation difficult. This could lead to instability or denial of service through congestion.