Identity fraud fraud up, but low-tech methods still prevalent

Identity fraud rose 22 percent in 2008 from the year before, reaching the highest level since 2004, according to a report released on Monday by Javelin Research.Of nearly 4,800 US adults who were surveyed over the telephone, 482 said they had been victims of identity fraud, the report found.”Almost 10 million Americans learned they were victims of identity fraud in 2008, up from 8.1 million victims in 2007,” the report overview said. “More consumers are becoming victimised by this serious crime, reversing a previous trend in which identity fraud had been gradually decreasing. This makes sense because overall criminal activity tends to increase when there is a recession.”
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10159956-83.html
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39613934,00.htmMalicious insider attacks to rise
The world’s biggest software maker has warned companies to expect an increase in “insider” security attacks by disgruntled, laid-off workers.Microsoft said so-called “malicious insider” breaches are on the rise and will worsen in the present downturn.”With 1.5 million predicted job losses in the US alone, there’s an increased risk and exposure to these attacks,” said Microsoft’s Doug Leland.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7875904.stm