5 replies to this topic

[Andrew Field]

I've been alerted by my web server that someone has been attempting to hack into the SchoolHistory site in the last hour! They've attempted to gain access to the (they think) important "_vti_bin/_vti_aut/author.exe" files together with form-mail scripts.

Thankfully I such intrusion has been stopped, but it's a bit worrying to know that the site is now becoming a target for such attacks.

If someone got access to the author.exe files (if they existed ), this could mean they could delete, edit and destroy files at will. With the form-mail scripts a hacker could redirect spam e-mail through the mail server.

[Carole Faithorn]

If someone got access to the author.exe files (if they existed  ), this could mean they could delete, edit and destroy files at will.  With the form-mail scripts a hacker could redirect spam e-mail through the mail server.

Could a hacker really do that?

Any idea why the site might being targetted in this way? Just to see if they can? Some geeky pupil of one of us?

[Andrew Field]

A hacker could get access to the site if that file existed.

If you create your site using Frontpage and then publish it without any regard for security then a hacker could.

Whilst I don't wish to be foolhardy and appear over-confident, I avoided having that vulnerabilty.

I suspect the site has been automatically scanned for vulnerabilities rather than someone deliberately trying to get it. It was 'tested' like this four times though.

[Nichola Boughey]

Ok - I know that this site has the creme de la creme (sp) of British History teachers on it - but why would anybody want to hack into the files?

[Stephen Drew]

Clearly Nicky your students are far too nice and create a sheltered world for themselves.

Quite frankly I could go through a list unitl my fingers, thumbs, toes and ears were being used five times over and I would still not have included every one of the little charmers at my place who might do such a thing.

But I still love them all with great professional passion.

[Nichola Boughey]

I could say Stephen that I have the advantage of working in an all girls school - but then again I would have some stories that would make your jaw drop!

I will say however - that I love teaching all 17 lessons a week and I love all of my groups this year - especially my Yr. 11s.

Mind you none of my girls would have the skills or interest in hacking into this site!