A recent study conducted by eBay on its security threat situations pointed out some interesting results. Linux systems have become the command centers of choice for phishing operations and Botnets. Because of its reputation of being a very secure and stable operating system, Linux is often installed on server machines. While Botnet soldier systems can safely join and part the Botnet without concern, the central node must be available as long as possible to control them. Linux servers are therefore a very valuable resource to any electronic criminal.

Since Last Year... There has been a major increase in the number of Linux servers identified as being rootkitted. This, along with the sophistication of phishing attacks, generates a greater threat to private information in electronic format. eBay has not released the results of its study to the public, but Dave Cullinane, Chief Information and Security Officer at eBay, stated that a huge number of hacked, Botnet computers had been uncovered. Last week, data on 1200 eBay members was presumably stolen by a phishing scam and then posted on one of the discussion forums.