True Crime: The botnet barons

When federal agents announced on November 29 that they’d indicted or convicted eight individuals accused of using botnets (networks of computers infected with Trojan horse applications) to engage in criminal activity, the press release barely explained the nature and extent of the men’s crimes — or the investigations that led to arrests in an operation the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have termed Bot Roast II.

Digital Vigilantes: The White Knight of Phish-Busting

An Alabama man works frustration with an attack on his employer’s Web site into a full-time career of catching phishers and online fraudsters.

To catch a thief

David Jacquet is a hacker. He’s highly skilled at breaking into networks, and often targets Maine’s community banks, probing their firewalls to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to the system.

Estonia: Cyber Superpower

During a November visit to the United States, Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip comapared his country’s success in combating a massive cyber attack earlier this year to Bruce Willis in the recent fourth Die Hard film.

Web Scammer Targets Senior U.S. Executives

For months, a sophisticated hacker has been stealing the personal data of American corporate executives.

Inside the World of Chinese Hackers

All you ever wanted to know about Chinese hackers but were too afraid your bank account would disappear. Charts Chinese hacker history, culture, and exploits.

What’s Russian for ‘Hacker’?

PERHAPS the most famous con artist of the Soviet era was a fast-talking, eye-winking, nimble-fingered, double-dealing journeyman named Ostap Bender.

Six hot items on the hacker’s holiday shopping list

Malicious hackers and other assorted bad guys looking for new tools for plying their trade this upcoming holiday season will have plenty of toys and services to choose from.

Mapping the Russian Business Network

The Russian Business Network sells Web site hosting to people engaged in criminal activity, the security experts say.

Shadowy Russian Firm Seen as Conduit for Cybercrime

An Internet business based in St. Petersburg has become a world hub for Web sites devoted to child pornography, spamming and identity theft, according to computer security experts. They say Russian authorities have provided little help in efforts to shut down the company.