This is a pretty interesting article discussing malware developers and how they have ‘migrated’, so to speak.  Initially tracking the trends from 1986, it not only discusses how where they have primarily moved to, but it also discusses how their ‘ethics’ have evolved.  Starting as mere hobbyists and tech junkies, it has now turning to a massive money-making business, as much as I hate to say it.

Images show e-crime evolution revealing Mexico, India and Africa as next hotbeds of Internet crime

Most of today’s Internet criminals are operating from Russia, China and Southern America. Over the next five years, there will be a significant increase in attacks from Central America, India, China and Africa, according to a prediction from security specialists.

The researchers at F-Secure’s Security Labs have mapped the shifts in Internet crime trends since 1986. The three maps (images available at http://www.f-secure.com/f-secure/pressroom/news/fsnews_20080117_1_eng.html) depict how computer crime has evolved and show a shift from Europe and North America to emerging markets.

1. The Past (1986-2003):

Old-school virus writers operating from areas in Europe, United States, Australia and India. Era characterised by opportunistic ‘hobbyists’ learning their craft.

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Tags: Malware