'Annoying' Script Kiddies No Real Threat

Amateurs on the rise but serious hacking remains stable Security companies have observed a huge increase in the number of hacking attempts, most of them carried out with limited effect by ‘script kiddies’ with little experience. The number of serious hacking attacks remains stable, according to security experts. Most script kiddies, meanwhile, lack the ability to undertake complex attacks and instead use automated hacking tools. “The bulk of the stuff we’re seeing is kids downloading tools into their dorms and seeing what they do,” said Joe Magee, chief security officer of security company Top Layer. “While they’re annoying, script kiddies shouldn’t be a serious threat to companies with an effective security policy. They certainly aren’t skilled in coding or social engineering, the two most dangerous hacking skills.” Neil Barrett, technical director of Information Risk Mananagment, agreed that the number of individuals posing a real danger to IT systems was low. Full Story