Internet Security Threats: The Rise of Financially Motivated Hackers

The Internet Security Threat report by Symantec highlights a significant rise in Internet attacks during the first half of 2005, focusing on identity theft, extortion, and fraud. The report notes an increase in spyware and bot networks, with phishing messages rising from 3 million to 5.7 million daily. Threats are not limited to computers, as mobile devices are also at risk. Symantec predicts future attacks will embed in multimedia files, and advises maintaining high security levels.

What was a major focus of Internet attacks in the first half of 2005?

• Online gaming scams

• Identity theft, extortion, and fraud

• Social media hacking

• Cloud storage breaches

How do attackers typically obtain financial details from users?

• Through direct phone calls

• Using pop-up ads

• Via social media messages

• By sending phishing emails

What has more than doubled according to the report?

• Social media accounts

• Cloud storage services

• Bot networks

• Online shopping sites

What is a growing threat to mobile devices?

• Spam messages

• Worms

• Battery drain

• Outdated apps

What does Symantec predict about future attacks?

• They will decrease significantly

• They will focus on hardware damage

• They will be embedded in audio and video files

• They will target only large corporations