Hacking Alert! Hackers Target Databases –Hack using SQL injection

It has been a week ago, a Romanian has hacked the website of the antivirus software producer using SQL injection to steal the data. Many wonder what kind of databases are being handled by security companies, but there are databases that are really worth which include customer emails, software activation keys, personal details of the customers and other related information, which are being stored in the database server. Then wonder, how much confidential databases should a company which involve financial trasactions would handle. So if the server has got minor vulnerability also, the hacker can easily enter in to the server, by manipulating a URL, and passing certain SQL commands – which is termed as SQL injection. So it is always good for top level companies to use high-end database backup software, and have a regular system check to patch the security holes in the computer. Though the companies understand the importance of computer security and server security, due to high work upload, they sometime fail to update their security patches, which leads to such kind of hacking attacks.

This is an instance that happened, and has alerted the big players in the market, who deal with huge volumes of databases. Now most of them knew that hackers not only target the banking or consumer databases but also target whatever databases are available from pin to plane, which a hacker can monetize it.

Most Possible Internet Security Threats for 2009

Computer security threats have been increasing along with the technology growth, and high usage of World Wide Web. Though there are Internet Security Software’s including firewall, antivirus, spyware remover, adware blocker, anti-phishing tools or any other computer security products, still there is a risk if the software is not up-to-date. As there is increase in new threats such as viruses, Trojans and worms which infects a PC fast, before the software providers can get a signature to neutralize it. Once the signature is updated, and the software has got an option of automatic updates, then our computer is safe, as the security threat can be neutralized or even quarantined to make the computer safe and secure from further infections. So it has become an utmost importance for the computer user to be aware and secure while surfing the internet.

The other reason why there is increase in the online theft & easy injection of malware into the computer is because of the increased usage of fake pirated version of software in PC system. If a person uses a pirated version of software, then the risk of virus affecting the system is high, due to lack of periodic updates. So it is always to good spend some $10 to buy a real version of software, instead of losing $100 using a pirated version of software. Coming to the predictions for 2009 the Internet security threats and Vulnerabilities may include

Increase in Phishing attacks (Stealing the Identity online) Also see types of phishing.

Increase in Pharming attacks (Hacking done by redirecting the website traffic to a genuine website to a bogus website)

Increase in Instant Messenger Attacks (The online culprits use to send worm or Trojan, which sends automated messages to the people in address book, when the user is online/offline, and when the receiver opens the instant message, and click the link specified in the message, it will again go the recipients present in their address, like a chain)

Increase in Email Spam (Phishers and Hackers try sending out spam – fake messages attached with some virus, spyware, Keyloggers or Trojan trying to make computer users to fall prey them)

Increase in online pop-up ads (Some companies give free software, along with adware, which notifies the company of what the user is typing or searching in the internet, who inturn send pop-up messages, and promotional materials to the computer user which may make him/her disgusting and who need to be ad aware from such adware’s)

Increase in vulnerability attacks (This may be in any of above said forms. Sometimes the Operation system is vulnerable to attacks, if there is no proper protection)

Increase in other such crimes via online internet gaming, pornography etc.

The above said is the possible internet security threats based on the present scenario. In simple, the present threats will increase in future, pertaining to the development in technology.

Are you safe and secure online?

Today, Internet growth has exploded into a latest sheer. Most of the people around the globe use the internet now for many different purposes such as a huge wave of communication through electronic mail, file transfer, transaction applications, Online Banking, Online business and much more. Thus internet appears to be more convinient and useful for the users , there are also so many technical issues surrounding the vast network of World Wide Web. One such technical issue which needs to be taken care is the Internet Security. As the usage of internet grows and grows, there are number of people who try to exploit them on web in a bad manner, unless the user is aware of how to protect themselves online.

There are sevaral hacking threats and attempts on the Internet via e-mail, Web and Instant Messaging (IM), where hackers use some malicious code - such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses to steal personal information like passords, credit card number etc and even delete some information from an unprotected computer. A firewall can help protect your computers against these kinds of security threats and attacks. An recent study estimates that spam comprises 60 % or more of the world's e-mail traffic. So as a real human being we should pick some of the best internet security software to safeguard and secure ourselves online.

There are en-number of internet security softwares that safeguards from Internet attacks, vulnerabilities, malicious code etc. The future trends shows that a online business without proper internet security solutions would cause more damage to a company's reputation and assets as not of being a trusted source. Several security firms such as Verisign, Comodo, Go Daddy Inc etc have helped introducing solutions such as internet security softwares, SSL – Secure Sockets Layer for web etc to carry secure online transactions.

To provide the computer/internet security the users need to effectively secure their PC now and in the future by installing some PC Desktop security softwares like Firewall, Anti-virus, Anti-Spam etc. Also online business people should install an digital certificate to ensure trust online to their customers, which my bring more business to them. Some of the leading software solutions provider such as Comodo, ZoneAlarm provide PC security softwares for free of cost just to Create Trust Online. So our part is to identify the best solution which suits our needs and have them installed to ensure that our PC is safe and secure from hackers and phishers.
Internet has not only made the world even smaller and brought people closer but also have paved way for the rapid growth in e-commerce activities. So recommended good internet security practices will help reduce the exposure to attacks and would certainly mitigate the impact of cross-domain vulnerabilities as well. And well the interest in internet security practices will assure a successful outcome in the center stage when globally accepted.

Article Written by - R.Yuvaraj