Every business field needs its predictions, and IT security doesn’t make an exception. We are already starting to read forecasts about what to expect in 2016. And to be honest, what we read is mostly bad stuff. Cybercrime will not get any easier to fight. Methods employed by hackers will continue to evolve and trick both users and enterprises into becoming preys.
However, governments and security authorities will also become more active and responsive to cyber attacks.
Well, at least that’s what experts at Trend Micro are expecting to happen. They believe that cooperation between security firms, INTERPOL and the Cyber Defense Institute will be blooming in 2016. The ground for such partnership is being fertilized as we speak – several high level hackers have been arrested in 2015.
Russian Hackers Already Going to Prison
Dimitry Belorossov a.k.a. Rainerfox of the sinister CITADEL malware is already caught. He was recently sentenced to 4 years and 6 months jail time. He pleaded guilty for conspiring to commit computer fraud.
What was his crime? Rainerfox infected more than 11 million PCs with the Citadel sophisticated malware. To do that, he used a range of intrusion methods and thus created an enormous botnet. Citadel is a sophisticated Trojan horse, designed to steal personal information, including banking and financial data. The malware was based on the Zeus source code.
Another Russian national was also recently imprisoned, after pleading guilty for hacking major corporate networks. In fact, this guy compromised more than 160 million credit card numbers. His hack is now referred as ‘the largest known data breach scheme to be investigated in the United States’… So far.
These two arrests, among others, can be called a milestone in the efforts of authorities to break some of the strongest branches of cybercrime – botnets and trading with PII (personally identifiable information).
Experts are also awaiting a stronger communication against cyber criminals on a global level – between major regions such as the United States and Europe. To support these efforts, an Umbrella Agreement was recently signed by the European Union and the USA. The agreement will allow the two sides to exchange valuable information during criminal investigations.
Technological Innovations and Crimeware
We are witnessing various advancements in current technologies for users. However, crimeware is also evolving. We are most definitely going to see new attack plots and even more sinister methods to extort money from users.
Perhaps, Cryptowall 4.0 is baking in the oven as we speak?
After all, predictions are not only fun to read – they should serve as precautions.
Here’s a resume of what’s expected in the forthcoming 12 months:
- In 2016, cyber security experts expect a revolution in online money extortion. For all we know, we may witness ransomware deadlier than Cryptowall 3.0.
- In the foreseeing future, mobile payment services will be favored by cyber criminals. Mobile malware is expected to evolve.
- Hacktivists will continue to exploit data breaches to destroy their corporatе adversaries. (We are also eagerly expecting the second season of Mr. Robot, hoping that its plot will be rather fictitious than real.)
- A prevalent number of enterprises will still be sensitive to cyber attacks. Experts believe that less than 50% of global organizations will hire Data Protection Officers.
- Malvertising campaigns will slowly fade away, because of ad-blocking servies. Changes in online advertising are also awaited in 2016.
What else will we see in 2016, in terms of consumer security and data safety?
Researchers at Trend Micro point out that cybercrime laws will be in the spotlight. Many discussions between security providers and official authorities are expected to happen, focusing on basic Internet regulations and outdated cyber security standards.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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