Cyber Jargon YOU Need To Know

As the use of the internet and technology grows, so do its terms and definitions. Here is a rundown of today’s most frequently used cyber terms.

We left something out? Please feel free to leave a comment below to further enhance our ‘cyber jargon’ glossary.

Authentication: Confirms that a computer program or individual attempting to access a system is authorized and is not infected with malware.

Botnet: Short for…

New Fake Anti-Virus Program Forces Users to Download

Researchers at PandaLabs have discovered a new fake anti-virus program that forces users to purchase the software. The program, using a combination of techniques, hijacks the target computer and keeps the computer from functioning until the victim purchases the fake program.

The program forces infected users to pay around $120 for the program. Once users pay the fee, the computer is released and is able to…

NASA Has Been Breached

According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, NASA has experienced more than 1,000 security incidents involving malware in 2007 and 2008.

The malware was installed on NASA systems, putting sensitive data at risk of compromise.

The report cited 1,120 incidents in which malware was installed on systems or unauthorized data breaches occurred. GAO also stated that despite implementing new protocols, the NASA systems are still vulnerable to…

Google Helps Compromised Websites

Google has created a new feature that helps to combat infected websites.

The feature informs site administrators of infection and provides samples of the infected code along with suggestions on how to clean the site of malicious code.

In the past, Google scanned websites for possible infection and reported those results in the search tool, along with providing admins with a list of infected sites. However, this new initiative…

Botnet Defrauds Google

A recent botnet scam that has been defrauding Internet advertisers is also stealing revenue from Google.

The botnet produces a false Google page, with real results that are taken from the actual Google search engine, and slightly alters them to enable click fraud.

The scam is being spread through malware disguised as anti-virus scanning software. The malware then alters the infected computer’s DNS that presents the false Google web…

Cyber Crime Pays Better than Drug Trafficking

According to David Freer of Symantec, cyber crime nets more money than drug trafficking. An identity is stolen every three seconds worldwide, and the stolen identity is often sold.

Hackers attempting to steal identities and bank information often use a variety of tactics. These include employing bots, malware and phishing scams. The stolen information is then used to either drain bank accounts, or is sold in an online…