Amazon Cloud Can Be Used to Hack Into Networks: Security Expert

By

A Germany-based security researcher says he can hack into protected networks using software that runs on Amazon’s cloud-based computers, according to a Reuters report.

Thomas Roth, a computer security consultant based in Cologne, Germany, says he has “figured out a quick and inexpensive way to break a commonly used form of password protection for wireless networks using powerful computers that anybody can lease from Amazon.com Inc over the Web,” the report said.

According to Roth, he can hack into protected networks using specialized software that he has written that runs on Amazon’s cloud-based computers. It tests 400,000 potential passwords per second using Amazon’s high-speed computers, according to Reuters report.

Amazon offers pay-as-you-go Web services for companies who don’t want to lay out the capital to purchase and run the equipment. The Seattle-based company just announced it lowered usage pricing on existing premium support offerings by 50 percent and added two new support plans to meet the needs of developers and businesses of all sizes and technical ability.

Roth said that the networks can be broken into if hackers use enough computer power to “brute force” their way into figuring out the passwords that protect networks – specifically, data that travels across WiFi networks.

“That encryption method, dubbed WPA-PSK, scrambles data using a single password. If a potential intruder is able to figure out the password, he or she can gain access to computers and other devices on the network,” the Reuters report said.

Amazon officials say the company uses multiple layers of operational and physical security to ensure the integrity and safety of your data. Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener told Reuters that testing is an excellent use of AWS, however, “it is a violation of our acceptable use policy to use our services to compromise the security of a network without authorization.”

Learn more about the operational and physical steps Amazon takes to secure AWS by clicking here.


Erin Harrison is Executive Editor, Strategic Initiatives, for TMC, where she oversees the company's strategic editorial initiatives, including the launch of several new print and online initiatives. She plays an active role in the print publications and TechZone360, covering IP communications, information technology and other related topics. To read more of Erin's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

Executive Editor, Strategic Initiatives

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

Can Science Outsmart Deepfake Deceivers? Klick Labs Proposes an Emerging Solution

By: Alex Passett    3/25/2024

Researchers at Klick Labs were able to identify audio deepfakes from authentic audio recordings via new vocal biomarker technology (alongside AI model…

Read More

Top 5 Best Ways to Integrate Technology for Successful Project-Based Learning

By: Contributing Writer    3/19/2024

Project-based learning, also popularly known as the PBL curriculum, emphasizes using and integrating technology with classroom teaching. This approach…

Read More

How to Protect Your Website From LDAP Injection Attacks

By: Contributing Writer    3/12/2024

Prevent LDAP injection attacks with regular testing, limiting access privileges, sanitizing user input, and applying the proper encoding functions.

Read More

Azure Cost Optimization: 5 Things You Can Do to Save on Azure

By: Contributing Writer    3/7/2024

Azure cost optimization is the process of managing and reducing the overall cost of using Azure. It involves understanding the resources you're using,…

Read More

Massive Meta Apps and Services Outage Impacts Users Worldwide

By: Alex Passett    3/5/2024

Meta's suite of apps and services are experiencing major global outages on Super Tuesday 2024.

Read More