DocumentCode :
1539186
Title :
Search engines as a security threat
Author :
Hernandez, Julio Cesar ; Sierra, J.M. ; Ribagorda, Arturo ; Ramos, Benjamin
Author_Institution :
Carlos III Univ., Madrid, Spain
Volume :
34
Issue :
10
fYear :
2001
fDate :
10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Firstpage :
25
Lastpage :
30
Abstract :
Because they implement vulnerable security policies, search engines are excellent tools for helping hackers to attack machines anonymously, search for easy targets or gather confidential data. Securing all channels against hackers trying to penetrate a vulnerable system isn´t possible, but there is no reason for search engines to be wide-open channels that continue to help hackers find and penetrate weak systems. Because it is so easy to use a search engine to cloak an attack, search-engine-based hacker abuse has become a real threat that poses serious risks. However, not all blame should fall on those who operate the search engines. Search engines aren´t responsible for the huge numbers of poorly configured and insecure machines all over the Internet even if the search engines do aid in identifying them, but the search engines must take some blame if they continue to provide easy ways to locate weak and penetrable machines
Keywords :
computer crime; search engines; Internet; anonymous attacks; confidential data; hacker abuse; hacking; insecure machines; penetrable machines; poorly configured machines; risks; search engines; security threat; vulnerable security policies; weak systems; Computer crime; Computer hacking; Data security; Internet; Law; Legal factors; Protection; Search engines; Web pages; Web server;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Computer
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
0018-9162
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/2.955094
Filename :
955094
Link To Document :
بازگشت