Does opening the window to RSS also let in harmful malware and viruses?

[mandy]

RSS -- Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary -- allows a Web site owner to share content among different Web sites in XML format. It's a quick way to share distributed feeds among a self-selected group of subscribers, but does opening the window to RSS also let in harmful malware and viruses? Some security vendors are beginning to address the threat...

RSS reader software can heighten the potential for intrusion, warn some security experts. IT managers often fail to ensure that their networks are not at risk from the use of RSS feeds linked through Web browsers and e-mail clients.

That oversight can punch a gaping hole in the security barriers. One of the biggest problems for users of RSS reader software, according to Ray Dickenson, senior vice president of data-security firm Authentium, is exposure of their data from cross-site linking.

"RSS is the largest possible market hackers have available. Even Mac and Linux users can be susceptible when surfing,"...

full article: http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/56134.html