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Thefts of Computer Software

NCJ Number
122000
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 58 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 1-4
Author(s)
W J Cook
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Computer-aided attacks on government and corporate networks are becoming more numerous and sophisticated, costing U.S. companies as much as $555 million annually.
Abstract
Thefts and illegal export of computer software as well as leakage of national security and defense information are discussed. Most computer attacks are not by agents of foreign governments, but by Eastern Bloc intelligence agencies. For example, they have been found searching a computer network at a California university, and using hackers to steal information in Canada and Chicago. Classified information and U.S. origin software have been the targets of Soviet and Warsaw Pact agents in the U.S. and elsewhere. U.S. Department of Commerce export controls do little to stop illegal remote access by personal computer, especially since prosecution involves coordination by the computer industry and the law enforcement community.