Even in this age of increased online security, there are certain websites that are more vulnerable to attacks than other sites. While most people assume that adult sites or sites offering illicit downloads of movies still in theaters are prime targets for cyber attacks, reports show that even sites most online users think are completely safe may be susceptible to attacks.
Social Networking Sites
Even though major social sites like Facebook and Twitter make an effort to protect their users, the sheer number of users makes these sites a prime target for a cyber attack. Social sites are especially appealing since they tend to contain personal details such as your name, location and other revealing details you probably don’t want anyone but your friends to see.
Retail Sites
Alright, maybe this one isn’t such a surprise. Retail sites are the target of about half of all online security attacks. While most major retail sites such as Amazon and eBay are relatively safe, hackers tend to go for any site where you enter your credit card number and other personal information. It’s a high-tech version of identity theft. The best way around this is to opt for retail sites that take payment through a third party site such as PayPal, which usually does a good job with security efforts using Veracode security tools.
Tech Sites
Tech sites usually do a good job at fending off cyber attacks. Yet, they remain a prime target for hackers seeking details on new technology or access to data that tech sites may have on various clients. This doesn’t just apply to the big guys like Apple and Sprint. Hackers pretty much know that the major sites are super protected so they tend to go after smaller tech businesses. With veracode analysis tools you can assess your vulnerability.
Search Engines
According to Barracuda Networks’ 2010 Annual Security Report, search engine malware jumped by more than 50 percent within a one year period. Even major search engines like Google and Yahoo don’t catch every single site embedded with bad things that infest your computer or smartphone when you click on them. The general rule of thumb is to avoid sites with a web address that seems odd. You also should avoid clicking on links to sites sent to you via email or text, unless you absolutely know they are safe.
A report by Veracode Software Security found that the most vulnerable websites are actually education or school sites. Surprisingly, the safest sites are banking and financial sites. Your best bet is avoid entering personal information online as much as possible and try to accumulate a list of your most visited sites without straying from it too often.
