Hackers steal accounts

US authorities are investigating a fast-growing type of online fraud, which is that hackers break into customer accounts through big "deals" on the Internet and then proceed to millions of illegal business deals.

From 'hot stocks'

E-Trade Financial Group, the fourth largest online broker in the US, recently said that the 'hackers union' in Western Europe and Thailand has made its customers lose 18 million USD in the quarter only. 3-2006.

Another company, TD Ameritrade, the third largest online broker, must recognize that it has suffered from fraudulent customer account fraud, but refused to disclose the loss.

Hackers break into many customers' accounts through large online brokers and use customer money to buy some stocks. Later, these hackers sought to push stock prices up to gain more profits when selling.

The 'hot stock' plan on the Internet is considered a new version of the 'phishing and copying' email scam.

Hackers distribute e-mails containing 'ghost' alerts, spreading rumors to raise stock prices, then quickly resell stocks and transfer electronic funds to bank accounts in certain remote countries. or to a number of 'networked' people.

These 'people of the world' may not know that they are involved in fraud due to the "whispering" of helping overseas businesses. The whole process only takes a few minutes or at most a few hours.

Go to the items in the game

The situation of hackers stealing accounts of gamers happens in Korea. According to the latest data from the Korean Ministry of Information, Chinese hackers alone have caused nearly 200 billion won (about 208 million USD) in losses each year with 'moves' using fake names in online games and sales In-game items with real money.

According to Internet security sources, about 30,000 to 50,000 Chinese hackers and countries participate in buying and selling goods in Lineage games for Korean gamers.

In March last year, 5 Lineage gamers won the NCSoft game developer in Korea's largest online information lawsuit, after they claimed that the password and personal information registered in the game. Lineage has been stolen.

According to experts, scams often begin with hackers stealing customers' passwords and usernames. The way they usually do is to install software on public computers in libraries, business centers, hotels or airports. This software is called Keylogger, has the function to record at all keys entered on the computer keyboard and automatically send via email to hackers. If someone logs into the online addresses of E-Trade, Ameritrade or another broker from these computers, the hacker will 'steal' his password and username.

Anh Tu