Successful cyber criminals are very good at what they do. That’s why millions of people each year get their identity stolen online and thousands of businesses are swindled by fraudulent internet shoppers. It doesn’t matter what kind of website you run, you need the proper security.
Just last Tuesday, March 2nd, Spanish police busted a ring of computer hackers who were responsible for infecting 13 million PCs with a virus that steals sensitive data from people, e.g. credit card information and social security numbers. The three men responsible are suspected of running the Mariposa botnet, which has infected PCs via Internet Explorer in 190 countries and more than half of the world’s 1000 larges companies, including at least 40 significant financial institutions. Three men. 13 million computers. Very good indeed.
Q: How are you locking your website’s proverbial doors at night?
I know that you may think this analogy may a bit silly and cliché, since hackers can strike at any time of day, through any cracked window, unsecured page, and dripping link. But it is a very important question, especially when someone’s business and financial well-being is at stake.
Allow me to reiterate: Three men, using a Microsoft browser, infected 13 million computers with a virus that steals your life. And how many aspiring hackers are there now that were just inspired by the Danny Ocean of Spanish cyber crime?
When you are building a website in Drupal, or any open source content management system for that matter, “hack-proof” security is absolutely essential. Which is why I hope you are reading this post before having a security issue, rather than after. Either way, you can relax now – this is a safe place. Take your time, enjoy your coffee, and review the following Drupal website security guide. Read more »
