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SANS Says Hackers Expanding Targets
John Stith
Staff Writer
2005-11-22
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Security experts at SANS unleashed their Top 20 list today covering the top 20 cyber threats for 2005. Traditionally, attacks targeted operating systems like Windows and Unix or services like web servers and mail systems. This year, attacks went after application programs.
"We are seeing a trend to exploit not only Windows, but other vendor programs installed on large numbers of systems," says Rohit Dhamankar, lead security architect at 3Com's TippingPoint division.
A second important shift in the Top 20 is public recognition of the critical vulnerabilities that are found in network devices such as routers and switches that form the backbone of the Internet. Network devices often have on-board operating systems and can be programmed just like computers. Compromises of network devices can provide attackers one of the most fruitful platforms for eavesdropping and launching targeted attacks.
"In prior years, the attackers may have been young people out to make a name for themselves. Today the attacks are being carried out by organized professionals with financial and military goals."
What this means is consumers and businesses alike will need to be more aware and more up to date on their networked ventures. While the OSs and servers are still the biggest targets, more and more attacks hit instant messaging and other venues. This also means that security companies and the government need to be even more vigilant as well, even when the attacks come from unexpected locations.
About the Author:
John is a staff writer for SecurityProNews covering cyber security.
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