Threat of blog content an increasing problem

Six per cent of blogs host malware, according to research

User generated content often contains threats

Eighty per cent of blogs contain potentially offensive content, which can range from adult language to pornographic images, and about six per cent of blogs host malware, according to research.

The Global Threat Report from ScanSafe says many companies do not realise the security and liability threats of blogs and do not set security parameters accordingly.

'Blogs are a great vehicle for self-expression and the exchange of ideas,' said Dan Nadir, vice president of product strategy, ScanSafe. 'Employees visiting these web sites can unknowingly expose corporate networks to legal liability, viruses and loss of proprietary information.'

The content on blogs and other web sites powered by user contributed content is constantly changing, according to the report. This means security solutions that rely on web crawling – or periodically scouring the internet for threats – rather than actually scanning the URL each time it is requested, can leave users exposed to malware and unwanted content.

'The latest web access facilities are opening up the way that we all use information and consume services,' said Andy Kellett, senior research analyst, Butler Group.

'As a result hackers are constantly probing web applications and servers for easy access, and as such this whole area has become a high-profile launch-pad for attacks.'