Will hacking help rescue the press?

Abstract

The web is increasingly at the mercy of fraudsters and identity thieves, which could be good news for beleaguered newspapers

The days of amateur computer hacking are virtually over, argues the writer. Criminal gangs have recognised that large amounts of money can be made, and while they may not have the necessary expertise, they are prepared to hire or coerce those who do. As the only way to ensure that your computer is beyond attack is to shut it down, there has to some point at which the general public consider that the financial risk of doing business through the internet is simply not worth the convenience of reduced transaction costs. If there is a general move away from internet advertising because of the risks to the vendors and their customers, the advertising industry may turn once again to the traditional, safe vehicle of the press. Where newspapers are concerned, giant web scams may be their salvation.