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July 04, 2005
Hacking for CASH
Business people aren't the only group getting more serious about Internet profits. More and more hackers/crackers are being lured by money. An article from Ryan Naraine on eWeek says:
The malware writers are looking to steal identities and credit card data. They are using their skills to make money from illegal activity. They're no longer going after typical attack mechanisms that are more along the lines of a nuisance. Now, it's a subversive, organized scheme. It's about making money from the Internet rather than harassing the Internet.
A lot of these malware programs are getting installed on computers from a method Paul F. Roberts refers to in his article titled "Drive-By Download Sites Chauffeur Spyware." He said some of these site owners are commissioning affiliates through programs similar to networks such as Commission Junction and LinkShare.
One site offers it's affiliates as much as Fifty-five cents for every one they can infect.They convince users to download 3KB program that "changes the homepage and installs toolbar and dialer."
According to Ken Dunham, director of malicious code at iDefense:
In addition to distributing malicious code and adware through its affiliates, (site name removed).biz mines click-through traffic from systems compromised by the group's exploit and uses pop-up messages to tempt users into buying nonexistent software programs, taking a cut of any sales.The (site name removed).biz crew isn't above using its network of compromised machines to distribute spam or to steal personal information from users, either, Dunham said.
In Mr. Naraine's interview with Marc Sachs, director of the SANS Institute's Internet Storm Center, Mr Sachs claims he feels a little safer on the Internet using the Firefox browser, and recommends it to all of his friends and family.
Do you think this is a reasonable precaution?
Posted by Steve MacLellan at July 4, 2005 04:22 PM
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