Linux Server Attacks Declining
You hear that kids? Get with the program. I would be more than glad to do a Linux workshop for noobs. It is a little sad that hackers opt for the easy Windows boxes than getting into a wide open linux box.
"The Honeynet Project, which consisted of 12 honeynets in eight countries, determined that unpatched Linux systems last about three months on average on the Internet before becoming compromised, with one system lasting as long as nine months. By comparison, an Internet Storm Center project focusing on Windows-based computers measures survival time in minutes, with most lasting an average of 55 minutes in 2003 and just under 20 minutes in late 2004. The life expectancy of Linux systems has improved significantly since 2001-2002, when an unpatched Linux system lasted an average of 72 hours before being compromised. Honeynet researchers believe attackers prefer targeting Windows systems due to their prevalence and ease of attack. In fact, attacking end users, such as personal computers and small-business computers, is more lucrative than attacking highly secured banks. Most of the compromised Honeynet Project computers were used by attackers for Internet Relay Chat bouncing and hosting phishing schemes with one attacker attempting to establish a fake banking Web site in order to collect data from unknowing suspects. Honeynet Project President Lance Spitzner notes that high-value Linux systems such as company Web servers are still targets for attackers, because the potential payoffs for hackers are significant. He says such systems "are prime targets and are attacked every day, if not every hour. If vulnerable, they would be hacked very soon." The Honeynet Project also noted that default Linux installations are increasingly more secure, while older Linux systems are easier to hack."