USM Researcher Develops Software to Prevent Cybercrimes

GEORGE TOWN: A university researcher has developed a computer tool that can help prevent cybercrimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Dr Aman Jantan, a senior lecturer at the School of Computer Sciences of Universiti Sains Malaysia, has developed the cybercrime investigation tool called the Forensic Analysis and Discovery System (FADS).

Dr Aman said the system could ease digital network forensic investigations while reducing the amount of space needed to store relevant records.

He added that in many cases, cyber criminals were difficult to trace and prosecuting them once they are identified could be equally hard.

“Many existing network security tools only focus on network monitoring, so there is a problem of gathering credible evidence that can stand up in court.

“On the other hand, FADS emphasises on evidence gathering and preserving, as well as the production of legal documentation that can be used in the prosecution process,” he said yesterday.

Dr Aman said the nature of wireless Internet meant that many people would be on a network, which made it difficult to pinpoint or trace a cyber attack.

He estimated that some 30,000 cyber attacks happened in the country on a daily basis.

“Attacks on online banking, military operations and information warfare and espionage occur more frequently,” he added.

Dr Aman said FADS monitored and filtered out possible threats in a network, which were then stored in an encrypted way to prevent tampering.

He added that USM had used the FADS system for about two months and managed to detect over 100 attempted attacks on its system.

“FADS has also assisted in investigations into the case of a university student who posted a Facebook message about planting a bomb in the Prime Minister's helicopter early this year,” he added.

Dr Aman said a patent for the system was applied last month and it was expected to hit the market by the end of the year.

 

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/29/nation/10821662&sec=nation