Network Security & Hardware - eWeek

Network Security & Hardware: Google's Matt Cutts Aims to Fight Virtual Blight


SAN FRANCISCOThe world of Web 2.0, forged by the millions of users flocking to popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Digg, is proving to be a fertile breeding ground for spammers, vandals and hackers who want to exploit the trust implicit in this ecosystem. These malcontents are either looking to throw a stick in the hub of a Web site's progress or make some extra cash. At the Web 2.0 Summit here Nov. 5, Google's Matt Cutts discusses how companies can recognize this activity to protect themselves and their communities.
 
  • Matt Cutts Is Thrilled to Be Here

    Google's Web spam cop looks tickled to be at the Web 2.0 Summit.
  • Virtual Blight ... Ewwwww

    What does a rotten, stunted Web site smell like?
  • Virtual Blighting with Links

    Spammers look to steal links to infect.
  • Link Blight Example

    Here's some link blight in action.
  • Landing Page Blight

    Spammers set up pages on your site.
  • Example

    Here's an example of landing page blight.
  • Infectious Code

    "Virtual blighters" also use malicious code to infiltrate sites.
  • Landing Page Blight Solution

    Use CAPTCHA! And Pray. Among other things.
  • Hacking!

    Hacking is an obvious form of virtual blight.
  • Example

    Cutts showed a Google hire how his site had been hacked. The blocked-out letters include the employee's name.
  • How to Prevent Hacks

    Lots of patches, etc.
  • Think Like a Black Hat to Ward Off Spammers

    Cutts says you need to think like the bad guys to thwart malicious invaders.
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