Attacks targeted to specific applications

An emerging threat is the threat of specialized attacks against targeted applications. These attacks are focused on a particular database or application with the objective of gaining access to information or services. Economics is the primary driver of these types of attacks. Well-defined and enforced access controls, secure software development practices, and detailed monitoring of applications are required to combat these specialized attacks.

How to Assess and Mitigate Information Security Threats
  Introduction
  Malware: The ever-evolving threat
  Network-based attacks
  Information theft and cryptographic attacks
  Attacks targeted to specific applications
  Social engineering
  Threats to physical security
  Balancing the cost and benefits of countermeasures

This chapter excerpt from the free eBookThe Shortcut Guide to Protecting Business Internet Usage, by Dan Sullivan, is printed with permission from Realtimepublishers, Copyright 2006.