About MySpace Hackers

MySpace, one of the first and arguably the most popular networking sites on the Internet, has recently been under scrutiny for its chronic security issues. With the influx of hackers and the inroads in technology used to hack, the problem has been getting increasingly worse. Personal MySpace accounts can be accessed by strangers who change profile information and send out fraudulent mail and messages to other members. Detailed instructions are available on the web for hacking into a MySpace account, and several websites have been organized for the very purpose of furthering this growing phenomenon.

History

Since its launch in 2003, MySpace has undergone intense scrutiny. Tom Anderson, the founder and president of the MySpace network, was himself a former teen hacker and the founder of a black-hat hacker group. In 1985, when Anderson was just 14, he was the subject of one of the largest FBI raids in California, in which he was caught hacking into a Chase Manhattan banking system, gaining access to data-processing and personal records. As MySpace security increases, so do the technologies for hackers. In 2005, an XXS worm called "Samy" exploited a flaw in MySpace security to create a self-propagating virus. In December 2006, phishing became a serious problem when QuickTime videos were shown to be embedded with links to JavaScript files that could carry fraudulent login windows. Currently, celebrities are the most vulnerable when it comes to MySpace hacking. In late 2007, a young fan of the hacker group Kryogeniks hacked into the accounts of Justin Timberlake, Tila Tequila and Hilary Duff in order to gain approval and fame in the hacker world. Currently, attacks on MySpace are on the rise. In October 2008, MySpace's open-redirector was hacked and links to sites exploiting sites in China were sent as friend comments.

Function

Hackers have very specific reasons for hacking into MySpace accounts. While some people do it for the simple pleasure of perfecting their hacking skills, others use it as a tool for humiliation. Celebrities carry a preponderance of the burden of security issues, with people accessing their sites to send out fraudulent emails and false information. Hackers, however, are not just looking for the stars' personal information; they are also looking to gain access to a marketing medium that grabs the attention of millions. By accessing the profiles of MySpace members with large friend lists, hackers have the ability to send infected banner ads to a multitude of unsuspecting people. Hackers also use personal profiles as a medium for advertising, because they have access to a large group of people and the press is free.

Types

There are several different types of hacking devices hackers use to gain access to your personal profiles. "Phishing" and "Malware" are the most common. Phishing is one of the most common devices used by hackers on MySpace. It works by tricking members into entering their login information into a fraudulent login screen. The hacker than saves the information, to be used at a later date. Malware creates viruses that can record a person's keystrokes. Viruses can be installed from almost any website that you access when surfing the web. If you've changed your password several times and continue to get hacked, your computer likely has a virus. Another way hackers can get into personal profiles is by simply guessing at user passwords using common password sequences and personal information gathered from viewing a user's profile, or by using a community computer whose last user did not log out of his MySpace account before closing the browser.

Prevention/Solution

There are ways to prevent MySpace hackers from accessing your personal profiles and information. First, create a complex password. Use a random set of numbers and characters that has no relation to your shared information. Your date of birth, favorite color and the names of your friends are arbitrary passwords that can easily be hacked and should be avoided. Never click on a stranger's profile or answer messages from people who are not in your network of friends. When logging into MySpace, check the URL to make sure it doesn't contain any strange codes or letters. If you haven't logged out of your account but are suddenly sent to the login page, check the URL here as well. If you think you may have been accessed by a phishing hacker, change your password immediately. Keep your computer's antivirus software up to date, too. If you're using a community computer, as in a library or Internet cafe, be sure to log out of your account before closing the browser. MySpace accounts save login information, and if you don't log out, the next person who uses the computer may have access to your account.

Potential

Because of the extensive profile customization available for MySpace profiles, security issues don't show signs of slowing any time soon. Most MySpace profiles now contain elaborate HTML codes that work to customize the background and theme of a basic profile page; they can be manipulated by hackers who can encrypt these coding devices to gain back-door access to profile pages. Dozens of sites and even fraudulent MySpace accounts have been set up to attract users who are looking for customization codes; these codes are then used to spam and vandalize user accounts. Even IP address-trackers have been shown to have been created by hackers. Until more precautions are taken when it comes to coding and site customization, hackers will always have an easy way into the profile pages of unsuspecting MySpace users.

Resources

• How to Hack MySpace