European digital libraries: web security vulnerabilities

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Web vulnerability challenges at European library Web sites and how these issues can affect the data protection of their patrons. Design/methodology/approach -A Web vulnerability testing tool was used to analyze 80 European library sites in four countries to determine how many security vulnerabilities each had and what were the most common types of problems. Findings -Analysis results from surveying the libraries show the majority have serious security flaws in their Web applications. The research shows that despite country-specific laws mandating secure sites, system librarians have not implemented appropriate measures to secure their online information systems. Practical implications -The findings serve to remind librarians of the complexity in providing a secure online environment for their patrons and that a disregard or lack of awareness of securing systems could lead to serious vulnerabilities of the patrons personal data and systems. Lack of consumer trust may result in a decreased use of online commerce and have serious repercussions for the municipal libraries. Several concrete examples of methods to improve security are provided. Research limitations/implications -Further research on library vulnerability throughout the world can be taken to educate librarians in other countries of the serious nature of protecting their systems. Originality/value -This paper serves as a current study on data security issues at Western European municipal library Web sites. It serves as a useful summary regarding technical and managerial measures librarians can take to mitigate inadequacies in their security implementation.

Web Interface Security Vulnerabilities of Selected European Open-access Academic Repositories

“…Kuzma (2010) also points out this fact. She claims that the issue of security of user interfaces of digital libraries is not studied enough, not even today.…”

“…In her paper, Kuzma (2010) dealt with the analysis of the security of web portals of 80 selected digital libraries in four European countries. She presents attacks of hackers on academic digital libraries in the American state of Indiana in 2002 and 2004 as a warning.…”

“…It may also help to achieve a higher level of trust in online services (Chen, Choo, & Chow, 2006). The loss of trust of users may have harmful consequences in addition to the risk of personal information theft (Kuzma, 2010).…”

The Native Java Programming Language has suffered a Continuing Series of Vulnerabilities during the Past Two or More Years that Threaten to Destabilize Our Internet Technology.

“…The main objectives of the attackers are to attack either vulnerable web servers or applications hosted by the web servers [2]. Moreover, a research conducted by Kuzma [3] shows that the use of digital libraries have witness great growth but the technical aspect of the service such as the protection of data, keeping the personal computers secure from malware has become a problem . This is because, most of the workers are not aware of security issues that can adversely affect their systems.…”

Idea4sp: An Information Security Model for Digital Libraries

“…To avoid this attack, each of the above services can be independently or jointly used. Authorization is the preferred service for the digital library [24,25].…”