RSS (really simple syndication) may increasingly attract malicious code attacks, according to ScanSafe's latest web security report. Due to the fast growing popularity of the technology, malicious code writers are expected to take advantage by hijacking existing feed clients, causing automatic downloads of new worms and other malware.
According to figures taken from the study, there was a 265-percent increase in the volume of spyware and adware during the second half of 2005, compared with the same period in 2004. The report also notes there was a 165-percent increase in new web viruses in 2005 compared to 2004.
In addition the research indicates that web browser vulnerabilities are proliferating as attackers focus on the web as an area of network vulnerability. Protection of the web by companies was found to be weaker relative to email, network and desktop security. Areas of concern highlighted by ScanSafe are: the emergence of vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer, the administrative struggle to update patches in browser software and advent of "zero day" exploits.