Dutch sites favourite with hackers

A relatively high number of internet viruses are launched via Dutch sites. Research by internet security firm Symantec shows that only the United States, China and Ukraine are used by hackers more often.

Security experts say the reason the Netherlands is so popular among hackers is its high-speed broadband connections and high internet density.

Another reason the Netherlands is popular amongst hackers is the anti-Koran film Fitna by Geert Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), the research shows. One Islamic hacker plastered political statements on more than 400 Dutch sites in protest against the film.

In its 2008 Internet Security Threat Report, Symantec reports record levels of malicious code activity, better known as viruses. As a result, the company has had to create 60 percent more anti-virus signatures. According to the report, websurfing is still the primary source of virus infections and 90 percent of viruses attempt to access confidential information. Seventy-five percent of them try to break open highly confidential information such as bank account credentials. The practice feeds a thriving underground economy, accoring to the researchers.