Talk:How "Crackers" Crack

From ChekMate Security Group

Article states:

Home computers aren't in danger from crackers because they aren't accessible to outsiders--and because they aren't interesting to crackers. Instead, they target mainframes and minicomputers that support many users and are connected to telephone lines and large networks.

This is no longer the case. This original article is quite dated; speaking about minicomputers and mainframes, and also stating that these amazing computers are connected to telephone lines. It is important to realize that these centralized systems (server farms) have become security aware and are now taking precautions to limit their exposure to crackers. The recent trends are to go after the weakest link - which is always the people, and more specifically the customers. 1000s of attempts can be made to either a controlled distribution list or an open email SPAM - in the hopes that 1% or less fall for the phishing attempt to provide the passwords/pins/etc to a third party. This is a lot harder to address and deal with as the only effective way to handle this is through training and education awareness.

- smcnaught 23:28, 10 February 2006 (MST)