Malicious Software: Hiding the Honeypots

Armies of networked computers that have been compromised by malicious software are commonly known as Botnets. Such Botnets are usually used to carry out fraudulent and criminal activity on the Internet. Now, writing in the International Journal of Information and Computer Security, US computer scientists reveal that the honeypot trap designed to protect computers from Botnets are now vulnerable to attack because of advances in Botnet malware.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, viruses and worms were the main problems facing computer security experts, with the likes of Melissa, Love Letter, W32/Sircam, MyDoom, Netsky and Bagle familiar to anyone reading the computer press during that period.

There has not been a major outbreak of a conventional computer virus or worm on the internet since the Sassar worm of May 2004. That is not because improvements in computer security have outstripped the skills of the virus writers but simply because the focus has shifted to taking control of computers invisibly. Instead of erasing information from hard drives or causing other mischief, compromised computers are recruited into Botnets that track keystrokes and steal usernames, passwords, and credit card details with criminal intent. Continue reading.

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