"I would definitely recommend Firefox. And not only for commercial transactions but for normal surfing as well," says Denis I. Pankratov, technical director at the Computer Crime Research Center.
Based in Ukraine, the centre, which Pankratov co-founded, is a non-profit, non-governmental and scientific research organisation which functions on a voluntary basis.
The research lab regularly collaborates with universities and law enforcement agencies in its quest to reduce the number of cybercrimes.
When and how did your career in computer crime investigation begin?
Pankratov: In 2001 with the establishment of Computer Crime Research Center. I'm the other founder (the first being Vladimir Golubev).
Who, in your opinion, is the most dangerous cybercriminal and why?
Pankratov: The most dangerous criminals are those whose existence we don't even suspect.
But sure, the biggest social danger is generated by virus writers and cyberterrorists.
Which group/gang is the most dangerous online?
Pankratov: There are too many of them! Any such group with money in mind is dangerous.
But personally, I don't like spammers.
We've read stories about criminal gangs allegedly blackmailing online betting companies, threatening denial of service attacks unless they pay up ... is this a common occurrence and if not, do you see this type of activity increasing? Any idea who's behind this or where these gangs originate from? Is it advisable for victims to report such activity if they're threatened?
Pankratov: I've heard that some of these cases were connected with Russian "groups". But I think these groups are spread all over the world.
My only advice is don't follow or give in to their instructions. Always contact your local law enforcement officials.
In terms of ranking, what's your top 5 categories of cybercrime?
Pankratov: It's as follows:
- Child porn
- Spam
- Phishing
- Virus writing
- Adware, spyware and other trojans
In working with local and international law enforcement agencies, what do you find most challenging? Red tape? Language barriers?
Pankratov: It's time. Everyone's too busy these days.
What more needs to be done to fight cybercrime?
Pankratov: First of all, education. Then, implementation of good working security practices and tighter co-operation on an international basis.
Which area of law enforcement requires the most funding to fight cybercrime?
Pankratov: International cooperation and education.
The youth of today grow up in an environment surrounded by computers and high-tech gadgets. Do you forsee a time when the number of computer crimes will exceed traditional crimes (such as petty theft, mugging, bank robberies etc)?
Pankratov: Scary thought but in future, well, it's possible.
Would you recommend Internet Explorer or other browsers such as Firefox and Opera for financial transactions over the Net?
Pankratov: I would definitely recommend Firefox. And not only for commercial transactions but for normal surfing as well.
Is Linux really more secure than Windows?
Pankratov: I think the answer to this question depends mainly on how well a computer is setup. If done properly, most operating systems should be secure. But since statistics say that an overwhelming majority of regular uses use Windows, public opinion seems to be that Linux is more secure.
Linux has many more tools in its default installation to be more secure but you still need to be educated to use them.
Updated 5 August 2005 4:20PM
this is awesome! well done!