A pirate computer program builds credit card numbers

Article Abstract:

A pirate computer program known as CreditMaster is reportedly being circulated over commercial online services and BBSes. The program could theoretically be used to create phony credit card accounts to which the unscrupulous could charge merchandise. CreditMaster uses the standardized bank code that proceeds credit card numbers and then generates random numbers to create phony 13 to 16 digit account numbers. The program also ensures that the last digits of the account number add up to all the preceding digits. This is known in the credit industry as 'checksum,' and was originally developed to prevent typographical errors, rather than fraud. Law officials report that even using the CreditMaster program only 3% to 5% of the account numbers generated will match active accounts with minimum credit levels. Moreover, the program does not provide the name of the actual credit card holder or an expiration date for the account, two critical pieces of information that are often checked by merchants when credit purchases are made.

Net Lending by Financial Institns, Banking industry, Software, Crimes against, Credit and debit card industry, Credit card industry, Computer crime, Computer crimes, Computer hackers, Industry legal issue, Credit card fraud, Hacker

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New, reviled college subject: computer-linked injury

Article Abstract:

College students are increasingly encountering the danger of computer-related injuries as information technology becomes a part of the learning environment. While complaints are not nearly as prevalent as in the workplace, graduate students in particular are affected by long hours at the computer, often in environments designed for typewriters and handwriting. College administrators are working to make college environments more ergonomically correct, before problems begin to escalate. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers ergonomic training for all incoming freshmen, and has begun to buy ergonomically correct chairs and desks for public workstations. Repetitive Strain injuries (RSIs) can make students unable to type, wreaking havoc in their academic and career plans. RSIs have become a common but serious affliction in the computer age.

Safety and security measures, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Management issue, Statistics, Education policy, Higher education, Repetition strain injury, Higher education and state, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Repetitive stress injury

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