20 Mar 2009

Businesses 'should take computer protection measures'

Companies are being advised to increase computer security to prevent hacker attacks.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at security software supplier Sophos, says many people are not aware of when hackers are breaching their defences.

Cybercriminals often use malicious automated robots known as betnots to send spam, which hack into a PC's infrastructure.

"In the [computer] industry people are aware of it and it's a growing problem. We have seen people in charge of botnets sent to jail for considerable lengths of time," he comments.

Mr Cluley adds that the process is a "prime" way in which hackers are accessing confidential information in modern times.

Botnets can attach themselves to people's computers and forward spam to other users, making the individual an unknowing victim, the expert concludes.

According to the company's Security Threat Report 2009, organised criminal gangs tripled their attacks against innocent websites last year, injecting malicious code to infect businesses.