Symantec Wants To Use Victims To Hunt Computer Criminals 139
Hugh Pickens writes "Business Week reports that security experts plan to recruit victims and other computer users to help them go on the offensive and hunt down hackers. '"It's time to stop building burglar alarms to keep people out and go after the bad guys," says Rowan Trollope, senior vice-president for consumer products at Symantec, the largest maker of antivirus software. Symantec will ask customers to opt in to a program that will collect data about attempted computer intrusions and then forward the information to authorities. Symantec will also begin posting the FBI's top 10 hackers and their schemes on its Web site, where customers go for software updates and next year the company will begin offering cash bounties for information leading to an arrest. The strategy has its risks as hackers who find novices on their trail may trash their computers or steal their identities as punishment. Citizen hunters could also become cybervigilantes and harm bystanders as they pursue criminals but Symantec is betting customers won't mind being disrupted if they can help snare the bad guys. "I'm convinced we can clean up the Internet in 10 years if we can peel away the dirt and show people the threats they're facing," says Trollope.'"
I need a job ... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:False leads? (Score:1, Funny)
Anonymous Coward, that bastard! I got his IP, it is 127.1.2.3, lets get him!
Re:such a john wayne (Score:3, Funny)
Re:such a john wayne (Score:5, Funny)
Hack mah abacus, n00b!
I kick the table your abacus is on causing the beads to shuffle about randomly.
next.
Re:Hmm, tip line? Vigilante? or just more info? (Score:2, Funny)
-- Name: Grandma
-- Data stolen: pictures of cats
-- Underwear size: enormous
-- Thank you for your support.
I am Vengeance! I am the Night! (Score:4, Funny)
Re:such a john wayne (Score:3, Funny)
Don't worry. If you haven't changed it in long enough, there might not be.