People are catching on to e-mails scams, so Internet security experts are predicting criminal gangs will open a new front in the multi-billion-dollar "cyberwar" next year by targeting instant messaging, community websites such as MySpace and mobile phones to commit online fraud, pedal fake goods or steal corporate secrets.

"The attacks are becoming more sophisticated," Dave Rand of Internet security firm Trend Micro told Reuters. "It's all about making money. And they're making a lot of it."

In 2007, hackers will be scouring social networking sites such as MySpace to gather information for more focused attacks on people's computers.

"It is definitely an area that is ripe for more exploitation by malware (malicious software)," said Ed English, Trend Micro's Chief Technology Officer for anti-spyware.

Identity theft fraudsters will trawl through sites which allow people to leave their pictures and personal details, finding targets for "phishing" attacks -- fraudulent emails aimed at tricking people into revealing credit card numbers.

"It is way too easy for the spyware guys to assemble a puzzle of who you are," English said.

Hackers will also go after people using instant messaging services or making telephone calls over the Internet in 2007. Powerful new mobile phones and portable computers will also be targets as thieves try to bypass tight security to steal e-mails, documents or contacts, security firm McAfee said.

"Modern mobile phones are in essence miniature portable computers," the company said in its annual crime report. "Mobile devices present a serious challenge."

A new version of the popular Web browser Internet Explorer released in November and Microsoft's new Vista operating system will also attract hackers, Trend Micro said.

McAfee warns that spying on businesses will become more sophisticated. Criminals are hiring students to plant as sleepers in companies and huge amounts of data can be removed on small, portable memory sticks.

"Corporate espionage is big business," its report says. "Data is often priceless property. Stealing trade secrets, information or contacts is a lucrative money-spinner for cyber-criminals."

Security firms say Internet crime can be hard to combat because it embraces different continents and time zones. Criminals are attracted by the relative ease of making money, the speed and anonymity the Internet offers.

"It beats taking a gun and walking into a 7-Eleven store," English said.

Source:Xinhua/Agencies