Hackers Arrested!

In a recent news, authorities have arrested 3 Spaniards suspected of infecting 13 million computers with a program that allowed them to steal personal and financial data worldwide. The suspects reportedly copied personal and financial data of individuals, companies and official institutions in more than 190 countries. In addition to gaining illegal access to personal and financial information, the virus would have permitted those controlling the system to mount a large cyberattack from the infected computers.

This development is good news, at the same time a perfect awareness call. It is good news because at least a massive attack was curtailed; a cyber evil was quelled, preventing further damage to property and security of millions of people worldwide. The collaborative and collective efforts by the respective agencies or firms of the different countries, namely U.S., Canada and Spain, among others, in tracking down the suspects proved very helpful in carrying out the task. This illustrates that quelling a cyberattack or hacking such as this necessary calls for collaborative efforts from different jurisdictions. On the other hand, the case is also a bitter reality of the presence of able people out there in cyberspace, capable and who take pride in doing such acts. It reminds and calls us to be more careful in whatever kind of opinion, idea, or information that we divulge on the web.

Note that the case here concerns big time hacking. How about those numerous cases of hacking in a small scale, where the damage or prejudice is very little and insignificant, even unnoticeable, where, the victim or any person prejudiced will not feel the loss that much? We may not feel the damage that much. But still, it is hacking. It is still a wrong that amounts to a cybercrime. How do we deal with these small hackers? I honestly don’t know. Supposedly, catching them would be simpler. But as always, it is easier said than done. So, at the very least, we must be extra cautious and sensitive, especially with the information we are providing on the Internet – for our own privacy and security.

For more detailed information on the news, visit this site: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/03/spain.computer.virus.arrest/index.html


Reody Anthony M. Balisi
13th Entry