Do the producers of viruses, malware, etc. get arrested?

I have been wondering this for a long time.

Do the producers of viruses, malware, etc. get arrested?norton ghost

The short answer is: yes.

Depending on where you live (here in the States, they definitely do). If you write a virus, and it's tracked back to you, you will do time. The FBI is in charge of investigating computer crimes, and they do a pretty decent job.

Other countries have their own law encforcement branches - they vary widely in their effectiveness.

Basically, if you write (not script kiddie stuff) a piece of malware, and it gets distributed, once it gets in the hands of the AV companies, they'll forward on any information they have to the FBI who'll use that information to find you.

I'm not saying that all of them get caught by any means, but if you have to ask the question, you'd most likely get caught.

Do the producers of viruses, malware, etc. get arrested?software

Yes they get busted for creating viruses.

No unfortunately they don't get busted for Malware/spyware... I wish they would maybe there would be less if it around.
quote "It's only illegal if you get caught"
Yes

http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/a...

http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2007/06_26_...

http://www.cio.com/article/22493/U.K._Fi...

wdw
For the most part the answer is going to be No.

Certainly there are laws against this malicious conduct and they can be prosecuted if they are caught.. but the likelihood of someone writing malicious code that can be traced is quite slim. There are those who seek credit and run their mouths which are probably the ones who have been caught. Loose lips do indeed sink ships :)

Good Luck