Cisco Network Security Threats: Shift Towards Infrastructure Exploits

Security issues involving Cisco kit highlighted in Michael Lynn’s presentation at Black Hat are characteristic of networking vendors in general. Cisco is just the most visible of these vendors to target as hackers raise their sights from attacking operating systems towards attacking network infrastructure and database systems, security researchers warn.

According to vulnerability management firm nCircle, virtually all the network vendors tend to run monolithic, closed OSs that are mission-critical for their customers and doesn't lend itself well to the simplistic desktop patching models currently in place. nCircle reckons as Microsoft's security gradually improves hackers will look to others mechanisms of attack - a trend that puts networking equipment in the firing line.

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