The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) once hired computer hackers to help them develop stronger internet security measures. Though the program was short-lived, it provides insight into the methods the FTC uses to protect consumer information, according to Forbes Magazine.

One of those hackers, Chris Soghoian, once created a tool that allowed individuals to print fake boarding passes for Northwest Airlines flights. Though he was never officially charge, FBI agents raided his house.

Three years after that incident, Soghoian was working as a federal agent for the FTC. According to the news source, the government agency hired hackers to help it pinpoint holes in the system.

Though his contract with the FTC was eventually terminated, Soghoian remains in Washington D.C. and now spends his time advocating for consumer privacy protections. He told the news source that he believes many of those developing online protection regulations for the internet do not have a full grasp of modern technology.

The FTC estimates that approximately 9 million cases of identity theft occur in the U.S. every year. According to Microsoft, one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime is to use a secure payment service when shopping on the web.