BostonHerald.com - Technology: Spyware, computer worms plague Internet

Spyware, computer worms plague Internet
By Associated Press
Monday, January 3, 2005

NEW YORK - Computer worms raced around the world, leaving behind tools that spread spam. Scammers sent e-mail to trick bank account holders into revealing passwords. Rogue programs known as "spyware" hijacked Web browsers and crippled computers.

These were among the top Internet threats of 2004 as the perpetrators grew smarter and more sophisticated, driven more than ever by economic gains. And while technology to combat such threats has improved, experts concede that's not enough to address what's bound to emerge in the coming year.....