Cyber-attacks 2013 will become more aggressive

Symantec has published a forecast of trends in the world of cyber security in 2013

According to experts of the corporation in 2013, attacks will become more aggressive and will be not only to wages or espionage, but also to demonstrate the power of attackers. In addition, the number of threats to mobile users and cloud technology, and to the audience of social networks.

Starting in 2013, conflict between states, organizations and individuals largely go into cyberspace. Online espionage is highly successful with a very low degree of provability. Governments as well as the various organized groups of persons continue to use cyber attacks to damage or destroy sensitive information or financial resources of their opponents. In 2013, we will see a virtual 'waved arms', ​​when the government, organization or group of individuals will use cyber attacks to demonstrate their power and make themselves known.

Symantec experts also expected to increase the number of targeted attacks aimed at an individual or organization stands for, such as certain political views, or being a minority in a particular conflict. Recently, we find this kind of attack in situations where the conduct of individuals or organizations is the subject of discontent of a group of 'hacktivists'.

While the prevalence of fake anti-viruses slowly eroding, the realm of cyberspace appear even more severe types of threats. Around the world are becoming increasingly popular, so-called, ransomware, software, extortionists.


Despite the fact that this 'business model' has been used in the past, she had suffered from the same shortcomings as the present stolen: there was no convenient way to collect the money. But thanks to the development of online payment attackers have solved this problem.

Bollards go beyond simple extortion and will be directed by fear, that is cyber bullying (cyber-attack to psychological harm). The following year, the criminals will go to the next level, affecting the emotions of victims using methods, after which will be much more difficult to recover the system.

Mobile adware (madware, mobile advertising software) - this is a detail which can not only greatly hinder the process of using the device, but also give attackers the details of your location, contact information, and identification devices. Type program madware, quietly getting on the device when installing third-party applications, often starts to fill up by pop-ups, creates shortcuts, changing your browser options, and collect their personal data. Only in the last nine months, the number of applications that include the most aggressive types madware-programs, increased by 210%. Data on the location and characteristics of the device can be legally purchased aggregators of online advertising, to provide more relevant ads. Symantec experts expect to see increased use of this type of software in connection with the company's desire to increase revenue through mobile advertising. It also includes a more aggressive and potentially harmful method of monetizing free mobile applications.

Related links:

Experts predict a vector of cyber threats in 2013

Top 5 Security Predictions for 2013 from Symantec