The Future of Cybercrime Law Enforcement
Michelle Jupina
FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Criminal Computer Intrusion Unit Cyber Crime Division
Friday, May 23, 2003; 1 p.m.

The global Internet has created a near-borderless world, where information and ideas flow constantly at the speed of light. But a new breed of criminal has emerged over the past decade to take advantage of holes in computer network security. Hackers have proven adept at raiding corporate and indivudal computers, stealing everything from confidential financial information to intellectual property.

Join Michelle Jupina, FBI Supervisory Special Agent of the Criminal Computer Intrusion Unit, Cyber Crime Division, on Friday, May 23 at 1 p.m. ET, to discuss the FBI's law enforcement efforts in cybercrime investigations.

In a three-part series, The Washington Post this week explores how one group of Russian hackers was able to shake-down U.S. companies to the tune of millions of dollars.

Day 1: Internet Dreams Turn to Crime
Day 2: A Tempting Offer for Russian Pair
Day 3: Despite U.S. Efforts, Web Crimes Thrive
Interactive Graphic: Key Players and "Anatomy of a Hack"

The transcript follows.

NOTE: Per the FBI's request, please DO NOT use this forum to post crime leads or solicitations to investigate matters. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest FBI office or, if outside the United States, contact the nearest Legal Attaché office.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Michelle Jupina: Hello. I am Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Jupina assigned to the Criminal Computer Intrusion Unit at the FBI. Thanks for taking time to join me this afternoon. I am looking forward to your questions.

Washingotn, D.C.: Is the threat of cybercrime greater to corporations or individuals?

Michelle Jupina: Every computer system can be a potential target. As cyber citizens, we must be vigiliant to patch our known vulnerabilities, maintain updated anti-virus software, and install firewalls. It is important to note that most intrusions occur as a result of a failure to fix known vulnerabilities for which a patch has already been issued.

Washington, D.C.: Is the number of FBI agents devoted to tracking cybercrimes growing? And what kind of specialized training to the agents on this beat get?

Michelle Jupina: The FBI has recognized that cyber crime continues to increase. For this reason, FBI Director Robert Mueller has created the Cyber Division and initiated aggressive efforts to prepare the FBI to successfully address both current and emerging threats in the cyber environment. These efforts include providing specialized training to our agents working cyber investigations which include the following: online child exploitation matters, computer intrusion matters, online fraud, and intellectual property rights violations.

Arlington, Va.: What is the maximum penalty for cybercrimes and hacking?

Michelle Jupina: It depends. It can vary depending on the violation, the damages caused, and other factors.

Fort Worth, Tex.: What is the position of the FBI regarding Civilian intelligence by U.S. citizens in The
United States? Do you have a program where they are assigned to a particular Special Agent? J.D.

Michelle Jupina: If the question is addressing the public assisting law enforcement, with public and private assistance, law enforcement is making great strides in investigating computer crimes. One good example of how this takes place is the FBI's InfraGard program, which is an association of computer professionals working together in a cooperatve effort between the public and private sectors in an exchange of information. If you are interested in participating, please contact your local FBI field office or visit the fbi.gov website.

Columbia, Md.: Michelle --

Thanks for taking questions. I am a computer security professional serving the commercial sector (i.e. not gov't agencies). I think it would be worthwhile to spend a few moments highlighting the relationship between commercial entities and gov't agencies like the FBI and Secret Service. Can you say a few words about the groups and task forces that exist within the gov't to help commercial entities respond to cyber intrusions or security breaches?

Michelle Jupina: With the challenges facing law enforcement today, it is important for all law enforcement agencies to work together. The FBI has initiated Cyber Crime Task Forces and Working Groups in several of its field offices in order to pool the talented resources from all the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Washington, D.C.: I just got a brand new laptop with WiFi. The only protections installed on it are whatever the manufacturer (in this case, Dell) installed before shipping.

What other software should I look at buying?

Any other general advice?

Michelle Jupina: Although the FBI can not recommend any specific software packages, it is important to keep in mind that many computer systems (hardware and software) are shipped with well known default passwords, or no security settings at all. Therefore, it is important for the consumer to be aware of these vulnerabilities and address them.

Washington, D.C.: My question is about tactics during an investigation. I remember reading (maybe 6 months ago) that Russian police issued an arrest warrant for an FBI agent who, while in the course of investigating cybercrime, illegally entered a computer(s) in Russia. Does the FBI generally get permission from other countries' law enforcement agencies before conducting investigations there or is it common to conduct the investigation here without regard to the laws in the other countries? I don't mean the question to sound so harsh, but the US is probably the most computer dependant country and it strikes that we shouldn't expect people to honor our laws if we don't honor the law of other countries.

Michelle Jupina: The FBI has developed great working relationships with its counterparts in many other countries investigating computer crimes. These relationships are developed through the FBI's Legal Attaches who are assigned to US Embassies around the world and serve as liaisons to foreign law enforcement agencies.

Wichita Falls, Tex.: Ma'am,
I am interested in joining the FBI after college and I was wondering if working in the Cyber Crime Divison gives you the opportunity to work in the field or do you work in an office mainly?
Thanks, Adam

Michelle Jupina: Working in the Cyber Division has been a very good experience and has provided me with a wealth of opportunities. Individuals working in the Cyber Division either work in the field offices or FBI Headquarters. They have the opportunity to work a wide range of cyber matters from forensics to actual investigations. Qualifications for FBI employment are contained on the fbi.gov website.

Washington, D.C.: When did hacking become a crime? Long before there were company databases there were military and civilian government databases. Where were the first cases successfully prosecuted and under what statutes were the first charges filed?

Michelle Jupina: An unauthorized intrusion for unlawful purposes into another person's property is a crime. With the advent of the Internet and the proliferation of personal computers, the investigations of these unlawful intrusions have taken on a new complexity. For an interesting read on one of these earlier computer intrusion investigations, you may want to read "The Cuckoo's Egg" by Cliff Stoll.

Michelle Jupina: Thank you for submitting your questions, unfortunately my time has expired. Thank you for your interest in cyber crimes.

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