Browser-based attacks increase as viruses decrease

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As the threat to IT operations by viruses and worms declines, browser-based attacks are increasing, according to a technology trade organization.

The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, on Tuesday released its third annual report on IT security and the work force. The survey of nearly 500 organizations, found that 56.6 percent had been the victim of a browser-based attack, up from 36.8 percent a year ago and a quarter two years ago, CompTIA said.

Browser-based attacks often take advantage of security flaws in Web browsers and other components of the user's PC such as the operating system. The attacks' objective could be to sabotage a computer or steal private data and can be launched when a user visits a Web page that appears harmless but contains malicious code.

One of the ways to lure victims to a bad Web site is through spam e-mails that include a hyperlink. Phishing, a form of attack that typically includes e-mail and fraudulent Web sites resembling legitimate sites, is on the rise, CompTIA said.

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