IP: Hackers Turn to Home Computers

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> From: "Bill Sodeman" <bill () sodeman com>
> To: <farber () cis upenn edu>
> Subject: Hackers Turn to Home Computers
>
> http://dailynews.yahoo.com/htx/ap/20020103/bs/hacking_home_computers_2.h
> tml
>
> By D. IAN HOPPER, AP Technology Writer
>
> WASHINGTON (AP) - Computer hackers, once satisfied to test their skills
> on large companies, are turning their sights on home computers that are
> faster, more powerful and less secure than ever before.
>
> The hackers can steal your identity, destroy your data or use your
> computer to launch attacks on Web sites or your friends.
>
> "Home machines weren't very interesting targets a few years ago," said
> Mikko Hypponen of antivirus company F-Secure in Finland. ``That's all
> changed now."
>
> Experts attribute the threat to several factors:
>
> -Many home computers are now as powerful as business computers, with
> enough memory and processing power to make them alluring staging areas
> for wide-scale Internet attacks that affect other computers.
>
> -A growing number are connected directly to the Internet through
> high-speed DSL and cable lines that remain open all the time. Computers
> that are left on around the clock are vulnerable.
>
> -Unlike businesses with permanent security staff, most home users are
> slow to secure their computers with the latest antivirus and firewall
> software and to plug security holes by downloading the necessary fixes
> from software makers such as Microsoft.
>
> -Many home users are unaware of Internet threats and are too willing to
> click on unsolicited e-mails that might be infected with malicious
> programs.
>
> "Home users have generally been the least prepared to defend against
> attacks, "Carnegie Mellon University's CERT (Computer Emergency Response
> Team) Coordination Center warns. "In many cases, these machines are then
> used by intruders to launch attacks against other organizations."
>
> <snip>

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