Expect cybercrime creativity to rise in 2014 for mobile, security expert warns

Expect cybercriminals to be more creative in social engineering and to target more mobile users in 2014, a security vendor said over the weekend.

 

Panda Security said these, along with ransomware and threats to corporate security, are among the top security trends to watch out for in the coming year.

 

"Social engineering is a field that gives cyber-crooks freedom to show their creativity. After vulnerabilities, the second most frequent cause of computer infections is… users themselves, who many times fall into the trap set by cyber-criminals," it said. 

 

It added that while many scams spread via email, most of them occur on social networking sites.

 

Also, Panda said Android will continue to be the top mobile target for cyber-crooks in 2014, which may "set a new record for the number of threats targeting this platform."

 

The company also predicted malware creation will likely hit a new record high in 2014, though most new malware will be variants of existing malware.

 

Cybercriminals are also expected to target vulnerabilities in widely used software like Java.

 

Meanwhile, Panda Security said ransomware will be one of the "most pervasive threats" in 2014.

 

"Get ready for new waves of malware asking victims to pay a  ransom to unlock their computers, access their files (CryptoLocker), remove supposed threats (fake antivirus software), or even pay a ‘fine’ for supposed illegal activities (Police Virus)," it said.

 

It added ransomware allows criminals to obtain money directly from users, "and so we can expect it to soar and extend to other types of devices, like smartphones, for example."

 

On the other hand, Panda said corporate security will be targeted more frequently and there will be a "demand for extra-tight security measures that go beyond the protection provided by a 'traditional' antivirus."

 

"It is for all these reasons that new solutions will be released capable of responding to these needs and offering protection levels that ensure data security and integrity much more effectively," it said.

 

Panda also said the Internet of Things may be a trend in 2014 as well.

 

With the number of objects and devices connected to the Internet ever-increasing, and with users rarely updating them, it said devices like cameras and TV sets may be extremely vulnerable to security flaw exploits, "and so we are likely to see attacks that target these devices as well." — KDM, GMA News