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BitDefender Highlights Top Security Predictions for 2010
(Market Wire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BUCHAREST, ROMANIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/21/09 --
Botnets, malicious applications and
social networking malware are all threats to look out for in 2010,
according to BitDefender.
BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security
solutions, also predicts that in 2010 cybercriminals will target operating
systems, mobile devices and enterprise technologies such as cloud
computing.
"2009 saw a wide range of security threats aiming at both end-users and at
corporate networks," said Catalin Cosoi, BitDefender's senior anti-spam
researcher. "The Conficker worm took a dramatic surge and managed to stay
one of the top three global threats during 2009. Although not entirely
dangerous, its spreading mechanisms and its resistance to detection may be
regarded as the cornerstone of the upcoming breeds of highly destructive
malware."
BitDefender's 2010 security predictions include:
Botnet activity
Spam sent by botnets will be at the core of malware threats in 2010. We
will also see some distributed denial of service attacks, as proof of
concepts for the future or possible customers of the botnets. If a client
wants to rent a botnet, but he is not sure of the capabilities of the
network, he might want to see a demonstration of power
Malicious applications
The majority of malicious applications are oriented towards illicit
financial gain. BitDefender estimates that 2010 will bring an increased
amount of malware, especially adware applications and rogue antivirus
software. More complex malware, such as rootkit-based file infectors and
worms relying on multiple vectors of infection (e-mail, instant messaging
and peer-to-peer protocols) are also expected to increase.
Social networking
Social networking websites are expected to become one of the most important
vectors of infection in 2010. Building on their experience with these
social networking sites, malware authors are expected to extend their reach
with the new Google Wave as the search engine's instant messaging service
gains popularity. Social networking sites will also remain targets of
social networking threats. Spam and phishing attempts targeting social
networking users are also expected to rise.
Operating systems
Microsoft's newly launched operating system, Windows 7, has proved to be
much safer than its predecessors. However, as users transition from XP and
Vista to Windows 7, malware authors will focus on finding software
vulnerabilities and security breaches in the operating system.
Apple Mac OS X users are also urged to adopt an anti-malware suite in order
to avoid infection. Apart from the usual spam and phishing attempts that
are platform-independent and target any computer user connected to the
Internet, Apple's transition to the Intel hardware platform will unleash
new opportunities for attackers who are currently writing malware for
Windows.
Mobile operating systems
The latest version of the iPhone with 3G dramatically increased the iPhone
user-base in 2009. Many iPhone users are jail-breaking the operating system
in order to install third-party applications. Jail-breaking involves
activation of the SSH service with a default password and root access.
BitDefender expects that 2010 will bring new e-threats focusing on the
rapidly growing mobile platform, especially worms and password-stealing
Trojans.
On the contrary, Android and Maemo users are expected to be spared. Because
their market share is still small compared to Windows Mobile, Symbian and
iPhone OS, malware authors will not focus their efforts on finding
vulnerabilities, but rather strengthen their efforts on social engineering
attacks.
Enterprise threats
Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and the VMWare vSphere
virtualization technologies have opened new opportunities for small and
medium businesses. Accommodating multiple servers to a single machine with
virtualization will dramatically cut down costs. During 2010, remote
attackers are expected to look for vulnerabilities in software that would
allow them to seize control over the hypervisor and on all virtual machines
deployed on the system.
Cloud computing services are also at the height of popularity. Cloud
technologies hold and process significant amounts of sensitive data whether
they are used for e-mailing or for data storage and backup. BitDefender
predicts that attackers will shift their focus in 2010 to these
infrastructures to seize control over or limit access to cloud computing
resources.
Finally, netbooks and PDAs are expected to become security risks in the
corporate environment as they become more popular. Since netbooks do not
come with Trusted Platform Modules or other types of hardware / software
encryption and cannot be managed remotely (in order to wipe the HDD clean
in case of loss/theft), sensitive information can land into the hands of
cyber criminals.
"Computer users need to keep in mind that cyber criminals are constantly
adapting their e-threats so they don't get caught, making them more
damaging," said Cosoi. "With that being said, it is essential for home
users, small businesses and enterprises alike to have a reliable security
solution installed and updated on their systems."
To stay up-to-date on the latest e-threats, product and business news,
sign-up for BitDefender's RSS feeds.
About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most
effective lines of internationally certified security
software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to
raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention,
emerging as the industry's anti-malware innovator. Every day, BitDefender
protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe --
giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences
will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network
of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100
countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products
are available at the company's security solutions press room.
Additionally, BitDefender's http://www.malwarecity.com provides background
and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in
the everyday battle against malware.
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