Backdating Battle Focuses on Fraud

Six months ago, few investors were likely worried about -- or had even considered -- the issue of stock-options backdating.

But in recent months, the issue has become a huge trouble spot for the markets in general and for the technology sector in particular. Dozens of companies are now under investigation by federal regulators in the scandal.

As a result, many have seen their shares plunge and some have seen upheavals in their executive suites and boardrooms.

Now officials at one company, Brocade (BRCD Quote), are facing criminal and civil charges. Watch out, warns Linda Thomsen, who heads the enforcement division at the Securities and Exchange Commission, there's more to come. ...