Malware Attacks Growing at Popular Websites - Malware is No Longer about Technology, but Big Business
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Other websites on which malware has become dominant are social networking, video sites, and of course blogs. An article posted on the Washington Post's website, Web 2.0 Sites a Thriving Marketplace for Malware, shows that malware has become a big business. The story was originally written by Eric Larkin, of PC World. The article starts out by talking about a disturbing video found on YouTube. In the video, there's a young, thin man with its head shaved, pointing a handgun directly at the camera.
Most YouTube users might believe this video is an advertisement, but it's not. The video was actually created by a group of underground Albanian hackers. In addition to showing a shot of the gunman, the video features images of a computer screen, a table showing foreign currency, as well as numerous links to the group's website. These hackers used legitimate websites to promote their own underground trade.
A question that was asked in the article was, how can these hackers promote their trade and get away with it? Shouldn't YouTube delete these videos? To go even further, should it try to prosecute these people? The author points out that selling malware is not illegal in either the United States or in other countries. It's using the malware that's illegal. Zulfikar Ramzan, a senior principal researcher with Symantec Security Response, mentioned that malware has moved from technology towards marketing and selling.
This group of Albanians was bold. Usually professional hackers keep low profiles. According to Ramzan however, the group didn't fear any legal consequences. So there was no reason to keep a low profile.
Unfortunately, YouTube has become a popular spot for malware attackers in that they use this venue to advertise their own services. YouTube was asked about this trend, and the site's spokesman mentions that the website is not responsible for the content on its website. It will however investigate any videos that users deem unsuitable.
Next: Other Legitimate Websites Hackers Use >>
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