Hackers aren't just picking on Microsoft: study
Online criminals turned their attention to antivirus software and media players like Apple Computer Inc.'s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) iTunes in the first three months of 2005 as they sought new ways to take control of users' computers, according to a survey released on Monday.
While hackers continued to poke new holes in Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) popular Windows operating system, they increasingly exploited flaws in software made by other companies as well, the nonprofit SANS Institute found.
As more Windows users agreed to receive security upgrades automatically, hackers looked to take advantage of other software programs that might not be patched as frequently, the head of the cybersecurity training and research organization said.
"Operating systems have gotten better at finding and fixing things and auto-updating, so it's less fertile territory for the hackers," said SANS Chief Executive Alan Paller.
Malicious hackers exploit security holes to lift credit-card numbers and other sensitive personal information from a user's computer, or commandeer it to send out spam and pornography.
