By Tim Ferguson, 14 May 2007 15:23
NEWS
Google has warned web users of the increasing threat posed by malware that can be dropped onto a computer as a web surfer visits a particular site.
The search giant carried out in-depth research on 4.5 million websites and found one in 10 web pages could successfully launch a 'drive-by-download' - such as a Trojan - onto a user's computer.
The software potentially allows hackers to access sensitive corporate information or install rogue applications.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, told silicon.com Google is right to highlight what he said is a worsening trend and "a considerable problem" for businesses and end users.
Cluley said an average of around 8,000 new URLs containing malware emerged every day during April.
Know your network
Find out what issues you should consider when managing your most important IT asset - your network - in our special report.
Most worrying, 70 per cent of URLs hosting such malware are found on legitimate websites that have been targeted by hackers. The outdated notion that malware only resides in the darker corners of the internet is far from the case now.
The means used to place malware on websites includes breaches of web server security, user-posted content, rogue advertising and third-party widgets.
Cluley said: "They [hackers] used to spread malware by email attachment. What they do now is spam out URLs."
He warned businesses: "You cannot protect users by restricting what sites they go to. You need to start protecting your web access as well as your email gateway."
Google's The Ghost in the Browser report said the rise in web-based malware has been aided by the increasing role the internet plays in everyday life, along with the ease in setting up websites.
Comments
There are 2 comments. Join the discussion
1. Richard Davies
Thanks Google...I would never have worked that one out if you hadn't of told me!
What makes them think that people aren't aware that the problem exists...instead of writing a report on it why don't they use there huge search power and money to do something that others definately cannot do which is to look for these sites and remove / report them.
We use the messagelabs services to cover malware on sites and it does enlighten you as to the scale of the problem and I do agree that its no longer just the dodgy porn and bit-torrent sites that you see it reported on.
2. Mark Hennessey
"...why don't they use there huge search power and money to do something that others definately cannot do which is to look for these sites and remove / report them..."
Actually, I think by flagging a search hit as a potential bad actor they are doing something. Users need to take responsibility in what they allow their browsers to do...
I think the point they make about advertising is quite valid. I have seen major media outlets (NBC, New York Times, etc) host advertisements that ultimately hosted malware or crapware. The online adverstising business needs to be held accountable for what they do and for whom they do it.
Just my $.02...