ABSTRACT
The stereotypical image of the malware author is a loner, a teenager outside of normal society, locked inside a bedroom with only a computer and a modem for company. Although this clichéd image has never been entirely true, the reality is moving further and further away from this. Malware authors are increasingly organized, work in groups, and are finding customers — organized criminals — willing to buy their products. This chapter looks at common forms of malware and how malware authors are merging into the world of organized crime. It is written mainly from an information technology security perspective, not from a criminologist’s point of view; however, relevant information from law enforcement organizations is included.
