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Media Release: Cyber hijackers cost thousands

January 30, 2004

If you think a lock and key on the stationery cupboard represents office security, think again!

A new breed of thief is on the take - you can't see him, you may not even know he exists and you may never catch him.

His treasure is bandwidth, powerful networks and a legitimate business identity-yours!

It works like this. Your thief wants to send out SPAM but can't do so using his own identity because he is "black listed" from secure networks. Craftily, the spammer hacks through your system and uses your computer system to send out spam email. The recipient of the SPAM email thinks it is from you and presto, your spammer is successful and what's more, you've paid for it.

Chief Technical Officer at NetCraft Australia, David Bennett, said it is costing companies thousands.

"We've seen a significant increase in spammer related break-ins over the last three months. In three days, a spammer could run up your Internet bills by over $3,000," said Mr Bennett.

To combat such thefts, NetCraft Australia recommends businesses conduct a thorough security assessment.

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