Web Attacks on the Rise!
According to a large security software maker, targeted cyber attacks are a growing threat to employers around the world. The prediction was made after the Stuxnet worm hit Iran's nuclear program in 2010. According to one expert with the company, we will see many more high-profile targeted attacks in the future.
Most consumers avoid suspicious links in spam email. However, targeted attacks are more and more successful because people tend to open files that look like they are from legitimate senders.
The total number of web-based attacks increased 93 percent in 2010 from 2009. Shortened Internet addresses or URLs increased exposure. Abbreviated URLs cut down long website links and make it difficult to see which website one of these shortened links takes people to. Cyber criminals can hide malicious sites more easily using the shortened links. Social networking sites are a growing platform for attackers. Hackers posted millions of shortened links on social networking sites last year to trick users into malware and phishing attacks.
Attacks on leading mobile platforms also increased 42 percent last year with predicted increases in the future. Tarmo Virki, European Technology Correspondent "Targeted cyber attacks to rise further: Symantec," www.reuters.com (Apr. 5, 2011.)
Most consumers avoid suspicious links in spam email. However, targeted attacks are more and more successful because people tend to open files that look like they are from legitimate senders.
The total number of web-based attacks increased 93 percent in 2010 from 2009. Shortened Internet addresses or URLs increased exposure. Abbreviated URLs cut down long website links and make it difficult to see which website one of these shortened links takes people to. Cyber criminals can hide malicious sites more easily using the shortened links. Social networking sites are a growing platform for attackers. Hackers posted millions of shortened links on social networking sites last year to trick users into malware and phishing attacks.
Attacks on leading mobile platforms also increased 42 percent last year with predicted increases in the future. Tarmo Virki, European Technology Correspondent "Targeted cyber attacks to rise further: Symantec," www.reuters.com (Apr. 5, 2011.)
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