Sixty-four percent of the 520 security professionals from 241 corporations, government agencies, and other organizations reported computer security breaches within the last 12 months, a 16-percent increase over 1997 and a 22-percent increase over 1996. Hackers try to retrieve unauthorized information, change data, obtain access to accounts, disable internal computer systems, and damage the reputation of companies and agencies. Banking over the Internet has also created new opportunities for criminals. Child pornography is also a concern; most States have established laws pertaining to child pornography. Other forms of computer and Internet crime include illegal gambling, copyright violations, the spreading of hate mail and threats, and on-line scams. Sources of additional information