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Honeynet Project just released a report about the security of Linux. The life expectancy of Linux has lengthened dramatically since 2001 and 2002, the project said, from a mere 72 hours two and three years ago to an average of three months today.

Why? There are several explanations for that:

1. Default installation of Linux distributions are becoming harder to compromise.
2. The primary threat is changing from machine-focused to human-focused.
3. Based purely on economies of scale, attackers are targeting Win32 based system and their users.
4. Windows, through piracy and low-cost ditributions in developing countries (such as China), has increased market penetration.

The FBI is warning that fraudsters are using internet scams in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami disaster. The agency is warning of phishing websites claiming to be for relief charities, and emails offering to find victims for a fee or requesting that money be deposited in overseas accounts. Perhaps most appalling, those who have appealed online for information about missing friends and relatives are being contacted via email by opportunists proposing to investigate, in exchange for a hefty retainer.

Related stories:

• The Register, Tsunami relief donors under cyber-attack, says FBI
• vnunetwork, FBI warns of tsunami email scams
• vnunetwork, Phishing attacks increase by 29 per cent