Attacks on servers running Linux increased dramatically
over the three months to May while those on Microsoft servers fell,
according to security analysts mi2g.
The
phenomenon was most marked in May when mi2g recorded more
than 19,200 successful digital attacks (76%) against online Linux
servers compared with 3,800 (15%) against Windows-based
systems.
In
January there were 6,700 attacks on Linux (34%) compared with
10,400 (53%) on Windows systems.
DK
Matai, the executive chairman of mi2g, said a major
problem concerned users implementing Linux out of the box and
adding third-party applications without effective
configuration.
In
contrast, the renewed focus of Microsoft and its customers on
security, especially following January’s Slapper virus, appears to
be having a positive impact, he said.
“I think
there’s a false idea in people’s minds that because they are
investing in Linux they’ll be safer in the online environment,”
said Matai. He warned that broadband connectivity means that it is
much easier to attack online systems on a 24/7 basis.
However,
Matai felt the problem could be resolved if Linux users use the
figures as a wake-up call.
“It could
just be a blip if people do something about configuration, but it
will become more of an epidemic if users continue to be
complacent,” he warned. “We need some kind of trustworthy computing
initiative for the open-source community.”