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Hackers' Latest Targets: Google's Webmaster Tools

Posted by samzenpus on from the prime-target dept.

jfruh writes: The latest attack vector hackers are taking advantage of: Google's Webmaster tools, which allow domain owners to index new pages for searching and react quickly to Google-detected malware. It's that last capability that hackers are after, tweaking things to keep infected sites under their control longer. From the ITWorld story: "According to the Sucuri researchers, by becoming verified owners for compromised websites, attackers can track how well their BHSEO campaigns perform in Google Search. They can also submit new spam pages to be indexed faster instead of waiting for them to be discovered naturally by Google's search robots, they can receive alerts if Google flags the websites as compromised, and, most importantly, they can remove legitimate owners of the site from the Search Console."

8 of 19 comments (clear)

  1. The law of... by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

    The law of Unintended Consequences in action, folks.

    --
    Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    1. Re:The law of... by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      Yeah like when you use a public restroom and peek under the stall. All you want to do is flirt but suddenly BAM! Next thing you know there is a very large sweaty penis in your mouth and balls all over your chin.

      Yeah, I hate it when that happens.

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  2. "vector" has a specific meaning, and TFA uses wron by raymorris · · Score: 3, Informative

    The headline says that Google webmaster tools (wmt) is the TARGET. That's more correct than saying wmt is the vector, because vector actually does have a specific meaning in information security. Calling wmt the "attack" would also be wrong.

    The vector is basically the specific method used in an attack. An attack is an event, in which an actor exploits a vulnerability , using a specific vector, against a target. The vector is HOW the attacker gains control of the gmt account.

  3. Re:"vector" has a specific meaning, and TFA uses w by dinfinity · · Score: 1

    We can't all be the clown.

  4. Re:Listen Up Asshat Editors! by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

    Define your fucking acronyms on first use. You been told this a thousand times, for fucks sake!

    We have standards, and we expect slashdot editors not to exceed them.

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    Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  5. Source does say robots, when did spiders lose out by Trax3001BBS · · Score: 1

    Lost virus, trojans and the rest to all encompassing malware...

  6. One address all of Google by Trax3001BBS · · Score: 1

    Is where I screwed up with the webmaster tools. Taking their word for it used the same address and the two, tools and domain wouldn't work.

    Cheap Google domains then you find you have to have webmaster tools at a monthly rate then a domain server rate, nickeling and diming one to a death.

  7. Re:Listen Up Asshat Editors! by getcha · · Score: 1

    Black Hat Search Engine Optimization