Computer Researchers Warn of Net Attacks

[RedEarth]

WASHINGTON (AP) - A new variety of unusually powerful Internet attacks can overwhelm popular Web sites and disrupt e-mails by exploiting the computers that help manage global Internet traffic, according to security researchers.

First detected late last year, the new attacks direct such massive amounts of spurious data against victim computers that even flagship technology companies could not cope. In one of the early cases examined, the unknown assailant apparently seized control of an Internet name server in South Africa and deliberately corrupted its contents.

Name servers are specialized computers that help direct Internet traffic to its destinations. The attacker then sent falsified requests to the compromised directory computer, which unleashed overwhelming floods of amplified data aimed wherever the attacker wanted.

........

"This would be the Katrina of Internet storms," Silva said.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060316/D8GCJR7O0.html

[mainegreen]

1. Dear god, the name server?

Some seriously bad mojo there. I hope the US name servers are better protected.

[jus_the_facts]

2. This will cause them to implement their *new and improved internet(s)*

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