Mobsters do 90 percent of malicious code

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Organized crime is responsible for nearly all of the malicious code on the Internet, silicon.com reports.

Russian antivirus company Kaspersky Labs said mobsters are responsible for 90 percent of such code, not young hackers.

"This malware is designed for criminal needs, such as stealing money, distributing spam and internet rackets," Eugene Kaspersky, head of antivirus research for the company, said.

For instance, a gang of Brazilian hackers arrested earlier this year stole about $80 million from Brazilians until they were caught.

"It's easy to attack internet banks," said Kaspersky.

There are even "zombie" computer networks, which do criminals' dirty work unknown to the computer's owner, for sale over the Internet.