Internet abuse

Internet abuse and cybercrime have historically risen since the inception of the Internet.

Spam
Despite some claims that abuse such as spam is flattening, costs are still estimated by some sources to be significant. Specifically, the 2009 cost of spam is estimated around $130 billion worldwide and $42 billion in the US. Nevertheless, other sources claim the abuse is still beneficial - and profitable - and, thus, continues to proliferate.

Phishing
Phishing is estimated to cost the US economy $5.8 billion in 2008, up from $3 billion in 2007. Over the past three years, more than 2,000 brands across 30 countries have been spoofed in emails, incurring additional damage beyond direct financial losses.