IBM X-Force Threat Insight Quarterly Report
The IBM X-Force® Threat Insight Quarterly is designed to highlight some of the most significant threats and challenges facing security professionals today. This report is a product of IBM Managed Security Services (MSS) and is compiled by the IBM X-Force (X-Force) security intelligence team. Each issue focuses on a specific challenge and provides a recap of the most significant recent online threats.
About IBM X-Force
IBM X-Force is a primary security research organization that discovers vulnerabilities and security flaws in computer networks and tracks emerging Internet threats. The X-Force serves as trusted security advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as many other federal, state and local government organizations, helping create governmental security standards and initiatives.
X-Force research helps form the basis for the IBM security solutions. By researching vulnerabilities, IBM is able to update its products and services to prevent attacks before they negatively impact an organization. IBM products and services rely on X-Force research to preempt threats. Questions or comments regarding the content of this report should be addressed to xftas@us.ibm.com.
Latest report
This edition of the IBM X-Force Threat Insight Report provides an exhaustive list of security alerts, breaches and the most commonly seen threats in Q4 2009. It also delivers two new and insightful articles by IBM researchers. The first article addresses the new threat landscape introduced within social networking. These sites enable people to reconnect with old friends, communicate and collaborate with others and share pictures - but they also open up a new arena for those with malicious intent.
The second article guides readers through the process of responsible vulnerability disclosure, and offers advice for vendors on how to simplify their vulnerability notifications to better protect their customers.