Hackers Will Attack Mobile Adult Sites, Gartner Says

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sites that offer adult content to mobile consumers will become prime targets for hackers, according to analyst and research firm Gartner.

In a recent report from the firm, analysts predicted pornography and gambling services would offer the largest potential revenue streams for the mobile Internet. As such, according to the firm, the same attacks that plague current content providers in these two realms also will seriously impact the mobile arena.

“These sites are often targets for ‘Denial of Service’ (DoS) extortion attacks such as, ‘Transfer $5,000 into this Swiss bank account and we will stop bombarding your site,’” the report said.

Because so many porn sites often are run with limited resources and staff, Gartner analysts recommend providers undertake major preparations against hacker attacks

“We recommend [they] prepare for DoS attacks, like SMS storms, against these kind of sites,” the report said.

Traditional DoS attacks overload a web server by sending “fake” traffic to a site until it shuts down. SMS storms are based on a similar principle, wherein mobile phone networks are hit with auto-generated text messages.

The report cites a case last year when gambling service Betfair was hit with a major string of DoS attacks, which criminals refused to halt until a ransom was paid. Several other online betting companies were hit with similar ransom demands.

But malicious attacks aren’t the only thing adult content providers have to worry about, according to the report, which stressed providers also will have to take major steps to ensure their content does not fall easily into the hands of minors.

“Providing gambling and pornographic content for mobile phones is a sensitive issue. Even though such services provide the potential for lucrative revenue streams, potential providers need to understand the laws and regulations governing such services,” the report said.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Randy Denmark Launches New Paysite

Producer and content creator Randy Denmark has launched his new membership site, RandyDenmark.com, through MyMember.site.

Alabama Senate Committee Approves Filtering, App-Based AV Bills

The Alabama state Senate’s Children and Youth Health Committee on Thursday approved two bills intended to prevent minors from accessing adult content online, one aimed at device manufacturers and the other aimed at app store providers.

Sen. Mike Lee Renews Push for Federal AV Legislation

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah on Wednesday reintroduced a federal age verification bill that has twice previously failed to make it through Congress.

South Dakota Governor Signs AV Law With Criminal Charges

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed into law a bill imposing criminal charges on sites that fail to perform age verification of users when providing access to adult content.

UK Pornography Review Recommends Banning 'Extreme' Content

The “pornography review” initiated under the conservative government of former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is soon expected to present its recommendations, which according to a BBC report will include banning any adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic.”

Malaysian Government Urges Tech Companies to Continue Porn Crackdown

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has asked all social media and online messaging platforms with at least 8 million users to register as application service providers beginning this year, in an effort to monitor and prevent pornography on such sites.

SceneLocker Extends Closed Beta Test for Creators

Content creator cloud storage company SceneLocker has extended its closed beta test.

Ms. Magazine Exposes Anti-LGBTQ+ Effects of AV Laws

Ms. magazine on Tuesday published an article examining how state age verification laws, promoted as a way to protect children online, are being used to censor LGBTQ+ and abortion-related content.

Zuzana Designs Marks 20-Year Anniversary

Web design and marketing firm Zuzana Designs is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Nikki Sequoia Launches New Fetish Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Content creator Nikki Sequoia has launched her new membership site, NikkisFetishes.com, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Show More