Global - Reference - Internet - Cybercrime - Viruses, Spyware, ID Theft

Synopsis

Archived report. This report was archived in 2006 and has not been updated. One of the most feared aspects of the Internet is infection by a virus. This can either cause damage to your computer, corrupt files or steal and transmit confidential information from your computer to a criminal. The costs of virus infection and the costs of its prevention are massive. The incidence of spyware, where confidential information is stolen, is increasing, and is now starting to be legislated against in some countries. ID theft is growing at an alarming rate. These crimes are discussed in the report. Other forms of cybercrime are discussed elsewhere.