Malware industry worth more than Anti-malware

Online market places, in which hackers auction off exploits and viruses, are making a considerable amount of money, a report from security researchers working for Tend Micro reveals.

Eweek reports that hackers are selling exploits of Windows Vista for anything in the region of $20,000 to $30,000, with some priced as high as $50,000. Raimund Genes, Trend Micro's chief technology officer, told Eweek:

"I think the malware industry is making more money than the anti-malware industry."

The report goes on to give a hacker's price list:

• Custom Trojan designed to steal account information - $1,000 to $2,000
  
• Botnet-building malware - $5,000 to $20,000
  
• Credit Card Numbers & PINs - $500
  
• Social Security Number, Address, Date of Birth - $80
  
• Drivers License - $150
  
• Birth Certificates - $150
  
• Paypal or eBay account credentials - $7

The question of who is actually buying these viruses and exploits remains up in the air. What is interesting is the revelation of the existence of an eBay-a-like for hackers and their clients. Surely the only customers with enough money to pay these outrageous prices are anti-viral companies and software vendors like Microsoft.

Surprised by the prices? Give us your impressions in the forums.