China is quickly emerging as not only a financial superpower but an internet superpower as well. The China Internet Network Information Center (CINIC) releases a report every six months on Chinese internet development. According to the report released June 2008, China has surpassed the number of internet users found in the United States with a quarter of a billion Chinese on the internet.
As you might imagine, a large number of the Chinese internet users are younger (30% +) and in many cases well educated individuals. Apparently a growing number of these young internet aficionados are turning toward the dark arts of the internet or “Black Hat” hacking techniques that have plagued internet businesses and corporations for years. This is something that isn’t terribly uncommon in the United States but our government and local law enforcement agencies have the ability to hunt and capture these fool hardy individuals.
Why You Should be Concerned
Hacking and the threat of hackers is not a new issue but what is different about China is that they aren't exactly an extradition friendly country nor are they an ally of the United States. What does that mean to you and to US Corporations? The FBI reports that, for the first time ever, revenues from cybercrime have exceeded drug trafficking [1].This means we are a free target and the Chinese government is unlikely to care if a 16 year old steals 20,000 US credit cards. Although he would probably disappear rather quickly if he were caught spreading anti-government propaganda via the internet.
Your Protection
A certain amount of responsibility remains with the US government and local law enforcement. However, we all tend to lock the front door when we leave our home or in some cases we purchase an alarm system. What can you do ? Well, keeping a close eye on your credit is a good preventative step and utilizing identify theft protection services such as Life-lock can really provide significant protection. I would also recommend quality anti-virus software for your computer, a software firewall (built-in on XP and Vista) and enabling windows updates on your computer which can reduce the risk of virus infection or attack. Also avoid opening email attachments, even from friends, unless you know EXACTLY what it is and ensure that you are expecting to receive it.
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