Security
Internet security trends 2009: An interim update
HOw accurate were the predictions?
By Zulfikar Ramzan | CSO | Published 11:00, 03 September 09
The effects of cybercrime are far reaching. It would be a difficult task to find someone who has never been affected by malicious Internet activity, or who does not at the very least know someone who has been negatively impacted by cybercriminals.
Advances in Internet technology and services continue to open up innumerable opportunities for learning, networking and increasing productivity. However, malware authors, spammers and phishers are also rapidly adopting new and varied attack vectors.
Also in this channel
Virtualisation, Big Data and BYOD
Check out our Business IT Hub for opinions and briefings. Read more
If the Internet is to become a safer place, it is imperative to understand the trends and developments taking place in the Internet threat landscape and maintain online security best practices.
In December 2008, Symantec researchers predicted a number of security trends to watch out for in 2009. Now that we are into the second half of the year, it's time to check in on those predictions to see not only how they have panned out, but also what other developments have occurred.
What follows is an update on the predictions Symantec made late last year, as well as a few new trends that our analysts have seen develop in the first half of 2009.
A trends predictions check up
Attackers take advantage of the economic crisis
The global economic recession has been one of the most noticeably exploited bases for attack in 2009. Its impact has been far-reaching and the computer industry is far from immune to its affects. Schemes and scams targeting victims of the recession and touting solutions to its problems are prevalent. Some of the threats are new and some have been around for awhile. These scams include:
- Home foreclosure scams
- Scams targeting people seeking mortgages or refinancing
- Scams exploiting the U.S. economic stimulus packages
- Scams targeting the unemployed with offers almost too good to resist
- Attacks seeking to exploit users of classifieds and online job placement boards
- "Work at home" schemes
