Cybersnooping spouses on the rise

Federal Drive

Cybersnooping spouses on the rise

Man-in-the-browser attacks threaten government systems too, FCC wants comments on cyber policy

Federal News Network Staff

August 11, 2010 8:30 am

2 min read

Cybersecurity Update – Tune in weekdays at 30 minutes past the hour for the latest cybersecurity news on the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris (6-10 a.m.) and the DorobekINSIDER with Chris Dorobek (3-7 p.m.). LIGATT Security International, which owns the Hacker for Hire service, says it’s gotten more inquiries about installing and removing spyware on a spouse’s cell phone than any other service last week. That may not be such a great idea, even if the motives are good. The company says, for example, while Spyware on cell phones can help parents supervise their children’s daily usage, it is illegal to install any type of surveillance software/hardware on anyone’s cell phone or computer that they do not own.

A new kind of cyber attack that’s hit a major financial institution in the United Kingdom also poses a risk to government agencies. It’s called a man-in-the-browser attack. And the Security firm M86 says that criminals used it to steal more than $1 million dollars, just between July and August.According to NextGov, a Web site is at risk, if it allows large financial transactions or the exchange of sensitive information. Man-in-the-browser attacks can infect your computer with malware, when you visit an infected site. Usually this happens via third-party advertisements.

The FCC is calling on the public for help on what its role should be in cybersecurity. The Commission has posted a request for comments, that will eventually help the agency craft its new Cyber Security roadmap. That plan is part of a bigger strategy to expand broadband access in the U.S.. Comments are due on September 23rd.

Check out all of Federal News Radio’s coverage of cybersecurity issues here.