FBI warns of rise in cyber crime

Oct 20 2008 3:04PM

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that citizens and nations are increasingly at risk of cyber crime and cyber warfare.

It says over the past year cyber attacks have cost tens of millions of dollars and threatened security.

FBI assistant director Shawn Henry states that some two dozen countries have taken an "aggressive interest" in penetrating company and government agency networks in the US.

"Over the past year, the malicious activity has become much more prevalent," he comments.

"The threat continues to increase."

A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development earlier this year advised that international cooperation is needed in order to avoid the economic and security consequences of cyber warfare.

Last week Research and Markets published its Air Force Cyber Command report, which examines the future of cyber warfare.

It considers opportunities and recommendations for the cyber warfare mission and discusses the surrounding issues and challenges.