Computer Hackers Moving to Newer Trends

According to the Internet Threat Report by security firm Symantec, computer hackers are moving to newer trends, making a shift from hacking done for fame to hacking done for fraud and criminal intent.

Symantec also disclosed that cyber criminals now use the Web as an integral device to make money, not just mischief. They use malware-infected computers as bots in networks for various illegal activities.

Grant Geyer, Vice President of Symantec Managed Security Services, state that bots can be used for launching denial of service attacks, for sending out unsolicited spam as well as to transmit phishing data. And in these attacks, both consumers and corporations are being increasingly targeted to fulfil various malicious objectives, as reported by CSO on November 3, 2008.

Furthermore, the security specialists said that earlier, hackers aimed to get prominence by attacking the maximum number of computers in a display of savvy and genius in halting network, while today's criminals try not to be identified. They compromise and take over systems in a more methodical and gradual manner.

In addition, the big organizations comprised the primary targets for cyber attackers ten years ago, now it is the consumer who is the main target. Hosts for phishing sites are also drastically increasing along with new versions of malware.

Symantec also notes that the US is consistently the most frequent target globally. China is mostly second while many West European countries rank in the list of top ten.

Furthermore, Geyer states that vendors are now more active about developing patches, but unfortunately, hackers too have found other ways of exploitation and are concentrating more on Website specific vulnerabilities.

He further says that ever since May 2007, the increase in cyber-crime has been simply staggering. With so much being introduced, companies are going through a tough time. Most often it has been one malware sample already written that is slightly varied into different forms and unleashed in multiple attacks. It simply demonstrates the ease with which a code can be written and also how it could aid in real financial gain, added Geyer.

Related article: Computer Virus Writers Adopt New Strategy

» SPAMfighter News - 11/18/2008