Computer Masqueraders Pose Risk for Internet Users

High-tech intruders are using a new trick to break into computer systems, leaving 20 million users of the Internet vulnerable to eavesdropping and rip-offs, a published report says.

Computer experts are warning that the intruders could copy or destroy documents or even work undetected by masquerading as an authorized user.

A federal computer security agency is to outline ways to prevent the intrusions today, the New York Times reported.

Banks and other businesses are expected to be advertising on the Internet by year’s end, and unless new steps are taken, the intruders could steal credit card numbers, merchandise and money.

The intruders fool computers into thinking a message is coming from a trusted source. They then get access to protected computer resources and seize control of what was considered a secure system.

Classified government systems are not thought to be at risk because they are not directly tied to the Internet, the paper said.