In fact, websites that incorporate these features accounted for 21% of hacking incidents reported in the first quarter of 2009. The top threats to “socially enabled” websites are SQL Injections (21% of attacks), Authentication Abuse (18%), and Cross Site Request Forgery – CSRF (8%). You may download a full copy of Secure Enterprise’s report here.

“Businesses often use open source applications like Community Server, WordPress, and Drupal to integrate social features into their websites. Every enterprise deserves the ability to keep content fresh by using blogs and forums. It’s great for marketing and user retention. We help facilitate these mediums by addressing vulnerabilities in open source software all the way from module installation to hosting,” encourages FireHost CEO, Chris Drake.

FireHost CTO, Kevin Wall explains why a holistic approach to site development and hosting is important.

“Often the application itself isn’t unstable; it’s the add-ons and plug-ins site owners use to extend the installation that cause problems. Our engineers are well-versed in the nuances of open source platforms. We’re different because we can help you navigate thru the many open source options available and determine which will achieve your marketing goals. Finally, we install open source applications in a way that helps protect you from hackers.”

To learn more about how FireHost can help secure your favorite open source platform, visit our secure platform hosting page.

“In 2009, we see three key trends that could impact IT security – a continued explosion of new malware variants, advanced web threats, and an uptick in threats related to social networking sites.” Mr. Salem reinforced that “cybercriminals are more sophisticated and driven than ever, and they operate in an increasingly profitable underground economy that makes it easy for them to not only buy and sell stolen information such as credit card data or even identities.”

Data from Symantec’s Global Intelligence Network indicates we have reached the point where there are more malicious programs created than legitimate programs every day, and that cyber attackers leverage vulnerabilities fueled by application code. Hackers compromise specific (often open source) websites, and then use them as a means for launching other attacks across the internet.

Hosting websites in a secure environment helps prevent malicious hackers from breaching files and applications and stealing confidential information, but you can to more to protect your identity. Partnering with a web host who also has expertise in website security is critical. FireHost’s team of security engineers works directly with clients to help identify and close vulnerabilities in programming and design that hackers can use to exploit your company.

To learn more about how we help remedy JavaScript and open source vulnerabilities, visit our Services page.