A Site to See: Scanit's Browser Security Test

December 2007

By John Wagley

Can someone hack into your computer or install spyware, through your browser?

An online tool can help you find out. Scanit’s Browser Security Test checks for 40 known vulnerabilities. After several minutes, it produces a report on any weaknesses found and the degree of their risk. Users are also given links to available patches as well as other security-related information.

According to recent site statistics, 29 percent of test takers were at high risk, 11.2 percent were at medium risk, 1.2 percent were at low risk, and the rest were risk-free. Sixty-five percent of users ran Internet Explorer, 27 percent operated Mozilla, and 8 percent used another service.

Because browsers are a magnet for malware and a favorite hacking target, try running this free tool at this month’s A Site to See.

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The Magazine — Past Issues

Hotel Internet network security varies widely, according to a recent Cornell study. A relatively common weakness is the use of hub technology, for example, which can be hacked fairly easily. Researchers advise connecting with a virtual private network if possible and to try to use Web sites with Secure Socket Layer protection.

Technofile: IT Security

Site to See: Robtex

Find out why Robtex calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife Internet tool."

Security Management is the award-winning publication of ASIS International, the preeminent international
organization for security professionals, with more than 35,000 members worldwide.

A Site to See: Scanit's Browser Security Test

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The Magazine — Past Issues

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Hotel Internet Security

Site to See: Robtex