Widespread encryption heralds new attacks

Hackers will become more skilled at using encryption as the technology becomes more widespread, and could use it to launch new forms of attacks, according to security experts.

Anton Grashion, security strategist for EMEA at Juniper Networks, told a panel at NetEvents in Barcelona that companies are constantly evolving and that hackers will always move with them.

"Business is changing and the guys who are trying to get in will start using encryption more effectively," he said.

Grashion warned that hackers will see a great opportunity in attacking key infrastructures.

"If they can get malicious code onto your end-point they can encrypt that machine and ask you for money to decrypt it," he said.

Richard Moulds, executive vice president of product strategy at Ncipher, added: "It is almost like a new style of denial-of-service.

"If you can get into an organisation and revoke the key that is used to encrypt back-up tapes, what a fantastic way of denying your business."

See also:

Hackers launch DIY phishing kit

Site targets social networks and webmail users  29 Jan 2008

First hacker convicted for Estonia attacks

Russian man fined for role in cyber war  25 Jan 2008

Hackers take aim at city power grids

Threat is nothing new, but criminals are turning to extortion  24 Jan 2008

Cyber-crooks target chat platforms

Unique threats soar in 2007  14 Jan 2008

Security breaches leave reputation in tatters

Attacks can only be stopped by filtering all downloaded content, warns expert  10 Jan 2008

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