Before, it was about exploring a site for weaknesses and information. Today, it's about bringing it down for days.
Most computer networks have weak defenses, and it can be difficult to trace the origin of an attack.
Plus, the FBI is relatively inexperienced with computer cases. What's more, the growing number of online attacks could intrigue copycats. Convergence's Web site and were able to access names, e-mail addresses, gender, age range and ZIP codes of 140,000 members earlier this month. Consumers provided that data when they registered online to use CueCat, a mouse-sized device that allows users to scan a code embedded in an ad or article, then be directed to a Web site with more information. Convergence warned the customers they may receive unsolicited e-mail.