Computer Researchers Warn of Net Attacks By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer

Computer Researchers Warn of Net Attacks By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer Thu Mar 16, 5:27 AM ET WASHINGTON -

A new variety of unusually powerful Internet attacks can overwhelm popular Web sites and disrupt e-mails by exploiting the computers that help manage global Internet traffic, according to security researchers.

First detected late last year, the new attacks direct such massive amounts of spurious data against victim computers that even flagship technology companies could not cope. In one of the early cases examined, the unknown assailant apparently seized control of an Internet name server in South Africa and deliberately corrupted its contents.

Name servers are specialized computers that help direct Internet traffic to its destinations. The attacker then sent falsified requests to the compromised directory computer, which unleashed overwhelming floods of amplified data aimed wherever the attacker wanted.

Experts traced at least 1,500 attacks that briefly shut down commercial Web sites, large Internet providers and leading Internet infrastructure companies during a period of weeks. The attacks were so targeted that most Internet users did not notice widespread effects.

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I don't know what's going on, however this week the entire Net has been acting up. Maybe our old friends the Islam-O-Nazis have finally stumbled out to the 7th century and into the 21st!