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Cyber criminals becoming 'business-savvy'

Cyber criminals are transforming themselves from dodgy underground characters to business savvy criminals, reports say.

The crooks are moving from their traditional modus operandi of causing online threats for the sake of thrill seeking to financially exploit the fast-expanding, global online industry

USA Today reports of one such cyber crook known as A-Z, whose tools have been used by cyber criminals and gangs to cause millions of dollars in losses.

"He's well-spoken, business-savvy and discreet," says Don Jackson from SecureWorks.

One of A-Z's creations, a computer program called ZeuS has helped cyber crooks steal millions from banking institutions in the US, UK, Spain and Italy among others in addition to causing identity theft issues.

Researchers fear the trend is spreading fast due to its affordability and supposed anonymity.

"All you need is a computer, internet access and programming skills," says Nick Newman, a computer crime specialist.

"It's easy money, and because the Internet is anonymous you don't think you'll ever get caught."

According to internet security experts, cyber crime now outpaces global drug trafficking.

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