Malware 'now a cash cow not a hobby'

Friday, 7 Mar 2008. Categories: UK

As an old school virus-writers group announces its closure, one online resource has warned that the more traditional malware creators are losing interest and being replaced with hardcore criminals.

Online resource the Register claimed there has been a fundamental change in the reasons people are creating problematic software such as worms, Trojans and other viruses.

It suggested that many of the virus-writing "hobbyists" have been turned off the pastime by greater levels of enforcement against the practice.

However, the publication noted: "Traditional virus writers have drifted away from the scene to be replaced by more shadowy coders creating sophisticated Trojans aimed at turning an illicit profit."

Malware does not just affect a victim's machine, it often seeks to entrap the computers of their family and friends by emailing itself to their PCs and seeking to spread through network connections.

It can also use a victim's computer to send mass-spamming emails and hack into other users' PCs.

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Malware 'now a cash cow not a hobby'

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