Internet crime is becoming a major commercial activity, according to a report by the security firm, Symantec. Commercial software used by criminals to launch attacks on websites is also being traded, BBC TV reported.
It also warns that criminals are using trusted sites like MySpace and Facebook to launch attacks on users' computers. However, this latest report suggests such attacks are now part of a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. It highlights online discussion boards where members buy and sell the kind of information that enables identity theft.
Our correspondent said that in recent days sellers on one of these sites were offering everything from 100 million email addresses to bank logins and credit card details.