Predictions for 2010 data security threats
2009-12-04
Firms seeking to avoid a data breach will want to be aware of what the major threats of next year will be. Websense has just released its predictions and trends in security for 2010.
One projection it has made is the increase in both the sophistication and prevalence of Web 2.0 attacks, noting that research has seen greater malicious use of social networks such as Facebook and Myspace.
Wensense said that one of the chief reasons for attacks on such sites being successful is the trust that users place on the platforms and in others on social networks.
Smartphones will also be a target for cybercriminals, according to the organisation, which identified four iPhone exploits in just a few weeks recently. These included the first iPhone data-stealing malware with bot functionality.
Websense also highlighted the weak security of applications on smartphones, which can place individuals and organisations at risk of a data breach.
"As audiences are moving quickly into the social web, so are the attacks. Additionally, as emerging operating systems and platforms like Macs and mobile devices become more popular, they are more targeted," commented Dan Hubbard, chief technology officer at Websense.
"At the same time, malicious attackers are increasing the number of traditional attacks on PCs, with quickly changing tactics and new twists on old exploits," he added.
The organisation asserted that 2010 will be the year when Macs are proved to not be immune to web exploits. It said that Apple's release of six security updates for Macs over 2009 indicated that there are security risks on the systems. Next year, more such updates will be launched as hackers increase their efforts on the OS X platform.
Consumers should also be aware of the threats around this Christmas, Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager at Microsoft, recently advised on the Windows Experience Blog. These threats include malware, cross-site scripting and clickjacking, he said.
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