Web security: A survey of latest trends in security attacks

Abstract

Every system used in real time will be having some security threats. Internet has not been exception for it. From as early as 1980s there has been occurrence of several different types of security attacks with Internet being their major target. Internet happens to be main target due to type and amount of information it stores and advancements in computer networks which makes it very easy for accessing the same. Also, at the same time limitations/design flaws in Internet design, programming languages etc. make attack techniques to evolve from day to day. Due to such evolution of new attack mechanisms, at present, we have a big list of different attacks. Further, motivations for making such attacks range from just having fun to sabotaging critical & specific infrastructures at national level. Hence, in this context, it is very necessary and useful to know about latest trends in security attacks. In this connection this paper provides a brief survey of latest security attacks on web. This paper also provides a summarized comparison of discussed attacks against chosen important parameters. In addition, an observational data about attacks via Emails over a period of time is also presented. The paper concludes by mentioning the need of such surveys and research opportunities in this area. � 2011 Springer-Verlag.