Faulty Domain Name System threats the Internet

According to LA TImes, Dan Kaminsky, a leading technology security researcher has uncovered a serious hole in the foundation of the Internet that can allow unscrupulous hackers to attack corporate systems as well as individual computer users. The problem is currently being fixed, but many corporate systems remain vulnerable and the extent of any damage is unknown.

Dan Kaminsky, who is assisting major companies to patch the hole has admitted that the flaw was the most severe one discovered in the last decade and could provide a freeway for criminal identity-theft gangs to exploit.

Security holes, more typically found in Internet browsers, e-mail programs and other applications, enable thieves to operate from overseas and coordinate stolen information through underground online businesses.

Only this week, 11 members of one such gang were charged in the heist of information covering more than 40 million credit cards and debit cards that had been used for purchases at TJ Maxx, Barnes & Noble and other major retailers.