Yianni Patsalos

Dr. Wolf

Computers in Society

March 6, 2006

Computer Security

The article I read was “Computers’ insecure security” by, Sarah Lacy. I learned that as programs are upgraded and made more efficient, they wind up having more bugs than older versions, enabling hackers to find weaknesses inside the program. As technology advances and programs are being more efficiently made, they still have serious weaknesses. Since we install the programs on our computer if there are weaknesses in the program, a hacker can get into the program and then control the computer. The article talks about the fact that as programs are being made, they are more vulnerable to outside factors, thus being insecure.

The program analysts say that as time progresses the programs are more intricate and initially are vulnerable to threats. Research shows,“ Last year, researchers found 60 flaws in a variety of computer-security programs, almost double the 31 vulnerabilities discovered in 2003, according to Andrew Jaquith, a Yankee senior analyst who culled a national database of reported software vulnerabilities. Through May, 2005, 23 software glitches have been counted -- already up 50% over last year” (1). Symantec is currently the leader in security products. Hackers are more prone to want to crack a program with a high install rate because if it becomes cracked, they will be able to penetrate many more systems. The same goes for The Microsoft corporation and its products. If they crack a Microsoft program, they will be able to infect anyone with a personal computer.

Malicious code is the root of infection and insecure security. Vendors say they're already taking the threats seriously. Indeed, a new reality may be dawning for the antivirus world -- code just isn't safe anymore, no matter how good. "Software is software," says Ken Silva, chief security officer for VeriSign (VRSN ). "I wouldn't classify it as a failure on the part of the security industry. Hackers are just getting a little smarter. (1)" As long as we keep making programs there will always be people out there trying to break in, its in our nature, even if those hackers are part of well known companies.

Works cited

Lacy, Sarahhttp://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2005/tc20050617_1613_tc024.htm.Computers Insecure Security.