Experts are predicting that cyber terrorists will begin attacking clouds, multiple platforms, and global systems in 2014. Prepare now to combat these threats. Every year brings something different and unexpected, and 2014 will be no exception.
When it comes to cyber security, the unexpected can cost thousands of dollars and leave a business on the verge of failure. Even if it’s not that disastrous, it can result in the loss of some customers’ personal information, leading to a nightmare for them and the business. On a personal level, new cyber dangers can result in the loss of information and hours of work, not to mention credit card information.
While antivirus software companies and anti-malware companies do their best to keep ahead of cyber terrorists, they often are reacting rather than acting. However, these companies are already working to put defences in place for what they believe to be some of the cyber dangers consumers will face in 2014. Read on to learn about a few of these dangers that experts in the field suspect will be seen in the New Year.
#1. New Malware that’s Smarter and Sneakier
Malware, or software that infects your computer and steals information or damages files, has always been fairly insidious. However, it’s been predicted that it will get even worse in 2014. Malware, which has primarily infected PCs and laptops, may start targeting smart phones and tablets since more and more people are using these devices for banking and other financial tasks.
Malware can steal people’s credit card numbers or their banking login information, allowing hackers to steal funds. Experts also expect to see an increase of ransom ware, a new type of malware that locks up a device until people pay the hackers to have the ransom ware removed.
#2. Macs will be Targeted
One of the things many people cite as a reason to purchase a Mac rather than a PC is that they don’t get as many viruses or malware. However, that may change in 2014 simply because people don’t expect to find malware on their Macs. This gives hackers a target that isn’t as well protected. Antivirus and anti-malware companies will need to devote more time and resources to creating software to protect Macs. Mac owners are being encouraged to make certain they have protection on their computers and not to assume that simply because they use a Mac that they’re safe from viruses.
#3. More Online Devices Means More Targets
As more and more devices are put online, there will, naturally, be more targets. Computers, smart phones, tablets, gaming systems, home climate controls . . . as more and more gadgets are connected to the internet, hackers and virus creators will have more and more targets. The same type of security systems won’t be able to protect everything. Companies will have to start creating more diverse software and protection programs to defend all of these different systems.
#4. Cloud Protection
Many companies are starting to use cloud storage. This type of storage involves saving information to a server or server farm (the cloud) and then accessing it remotely when it’s needed. However, while this does save storage space, it also creates a new security issue. With all the information moving back and forth between computers and the cloud, there’s a greater risk that it can be stolen.
That’s why companies have to create dynamic security with free cloud antivirus programs. Most clouds already have some form of security, but as hackers begin targeting clouds more frequently, companies will have to respond with stronger defences.
#5. Global Attacks
Because cloud computing allows people from all around the world to access data, attacks on cloud servers are global attacks. The result is that cyber security companies and law enforcement will have to start acting on a global, rather than a local or regional, level. New agreements may have to be formed in order to track down cyber criminals across international lines.
#6. An Increase in Cyber Security Insurance
Because organizations want to protect themselves and their customers in the event of a cyber attack, more of them will begin purchasing cyber security insurance. This insurance will provide protection from major monetary loss in the event of an attack. It will also help provide their customers with a feeling of trust. According to studies, the cyber security insurance industry can expect to grow by about 50 percent in 2014.
#7. Cyber Security Education will Increase
As more threats occur and more cyber response teams are needed, the education these teams receive will become more diverse and detailed. Only about a fourth of all cyber security professionals surveyed by the Ponemon Institute in 2013 felt like they had the education and knowledge needed to combat growing threats.
Battling Threats
Overall, while cyber dangers are expected to increase in 2014, security and response times will also increase as companies react to these new dangers and update their security programs.
Images: ”A yellow crime scene tape across a computer laptop on a table in a dimly lit room for the concept of cyber attack by anonymous hackers under investigation. / Shutterstock.com“
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