HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 2, 2005
Cyber Shakedowns On Rise
Latest Approach For Online Thieves One Of Oldest In Book: Extortion
-
Play CBS Video Video Extortion, Cyber Style These guys don't have brass knuckles, but they know how to get big corporate dough. Their weapon: a simple computer. Jim Axelrod takes a look at cyber extortion.
-
-
(AP / CBS)
-
Security consultant Barrett Lyon (right) talks with CBS' Jim Axelrod. (CBS)
-
-
Interactive Cyber Crime Find out about viruses, worms, and other ways people can attack both you and your computer online.
-
Photo Essay High-Tech Gadgets See what was new at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
-
Special Report PC Answer Tips and tricks from Larry Magid on PCs, software, gadgets and more.
"So just imagine trying to squeeze the ocean through a straw," says Lyon. "So the Web site is functionally disconnected from the Internet."
"Working Internet cases is unlike anything we can do," says David Thomas of the FBI.
The FBI saw its first cyber extortion case five years ago and says the crime is growing "exponentially."
"Our laws can't be effective against people in other countries," says Thomas.
And if you're thinking, "Why should I care?" Lyon says anyone who does online banking or purchases tickets online should be concerned.
Remember the Wall Street security manager? He did not pay, and instead chose to bring in Lyon. But with the growth in this kind of crime, Lyon can't protect everyone.
© MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
More From CBS Evening News
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
