Hackers breach security firm Bit9
Security software maker Bit9 on Friday said that computer hackers have breached its network, then launched a second round of attacks against some of its customers.
The hackers accessed a system that Bit9 said it uses to digitally sign its software to let customers know it is safe to run on their computers. The hackers then forged Bit9's digital signature on malicious software, which they used to attack some of its customers, according to the privately held company.
Bit9 said in a blog post on Friday that it believed the hackers were able to access one of its internal systems because the company had failed to properly install its own software throughout its network. Bit9, which has about a 1000 customers including US government agencies and major defence, energy and financial companies, is one of the leading providers of security technology known as "white listing."