Organized Computer Hackers Set Sights on US

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Organized Computer Hackers Set Sights on US

The hackers specifically target computer systems associated with e-commerce or e-banking.

By Reuters Return to Regular View The FBI warned that organized hacker groups, especially from Russia and Ukraine, have targeted vulnerable US computer systems, stealing credit card information and then attempting to extort money by offering security services to the victim company, the bureau said on Thursday.

More than 40 victim companies in 20 states have been identified and notified in ongoing investigations, the FBI-based National Infrastructure Protection Center said. More than one million credit card numbers have been stolen so far.

The hackers specifically targeted computer systems associated with e-commerce or e-banking, the FBI said.

"The investigations have disclosed several organized hacker groups from Eastern Europe, specifically Russia and the Ukraine, that have penetrated US e-commerce computer systems" by exploiting vulnerabilities, the FBI said.

Once the hackers gain access, they download proprietary information, customer databases, and credit card information, FBI officials said. The hackers then contact the company through facsimile, email or telephone.

After telling the company about the theft of the information, the hackers make a veiled extortion threat by offering Internet security services to protect against other intrusions, they said.

If the company fails to get the services, it is warned that hackers may post the credit card information and details about the compromise on the Internet.

The hackers will increase the threats if the company does not cooperate in making payments or hiring the group for their security services, the officials said.

In some instances, the credit card information has been sold to organized crime groups.

The FBI sought to publicize the scheme so companies would patch vulnerable holes in their computer systems. The software to protect against the hackers has been available and can be downloaded for free, the officials said.

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