100,000 New Zealanders Victims of Electronic Identity Theft In Past 18 Months
- By Grey McKenzie
- Published 02/8/2008
Grey McKenzie
National Cyber Security Founder
Cyber security watchdog & one of the nation's leading cyber security experts, Grey McKenzie is also the Founder of SpyCop Security Software & Soft Media Publishing Incorporated.
His clients include members of the US Department of Homeland Security, US State Department, US Department of Defense, US Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Central Intelligence Agency, State & Local Law Enforcement not to mention over 50,000 companies & individuals worldwide.
He is regularly consulted by industry leaders regarding cyber security issues.
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Nearly 100,000 New Zealanders have been victims of electronic identity theft in the past 18 months.
Thousands more have been sent offensive or threatening emails.
Most internet users have had equipment infiltrated by computer viruses, worms or spyware -- and could unknowingly be part of a "zombie army", sending spam to thousands of other computers.
The alarming findings are revealed in a major Justice Ministry survey on e-crime, which aims to shed light on the extent of cyber-related criminal activity in this country.
Internet watchdog groups say the study highlights growing dangers around internet use, identity theft and cyber bullying, and the need for people to act to protect themselves and their families.
"They get your personal files, they can impersonate you, they can use your computer for stuff. That's certainly a concern," technology commentator David Farrar said.
Cellphone users have also been targeted by e-criminals. Many had received highly offensive calls or texts, threatening or harassing messages, and offensive or pornographic pictures on their phones.
About half of all internet users say they fear credit card fraud as much as they do having their car stolen, or being burgled or hit by a drunk driver.
The New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey asked 5400 people aged 15 and over during 2006 if they had been the victims of different forms of e-crime in the last 18 months.
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