Cyber attacks to hit firms in 2011
By Ashley Curtis
05/04/2011
IT security firm Symantec has issued a warning asking firms to be extra vigilant with their technology after a spate of cyber attacks in 2010, reports Reuters.
In total, the number of of web-based attacks which were able to get access to vital information rose 93 per cent in 2010 from a year ago, boosted by the prevalence of 'short' links. These hyperlinks are able to hide the real address in favour of a smaller URL.
Sian John, security strategist at Symantec, warns victims not to get fooled by short links, stating: "Last year, attackers posted millions of these shortened links on social networking sites to trick victims into both phishing and malware attacks, dramatically increasing the rate of successful infection."
Most users avoid clicking links in suspicious emails but sometimes open malicious files sent by seemingly legitimate users. Companies should invest in protecting their IT management software and other programs in order to preserve vital information.
"They are more challenging, but the return is higher," John said.
Hackers are also targeting mobile platforms as they grow in popularity.
"As people use smartphones to do more they are becoming an increasing target of attack, mostly as Trojans posing as legitimate applications," commented John to itproportal.com. "Because we have these unvetted third party app stores, they are getting downloaded."
