Expect more cyber-espionage, sophisticated malware in '12, experts say

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223018/Expect_more_cyber_espionage_sophisticated_malware_in_12_experts_say

By Lucian Constantin
IDG News Service
December 26, 2011

The security industry expects the number of cyber-espionage attacks to 
increase in 2012 and the malware used for this purpose to become 
increasingly sophisticated.

In the past two years there has been a surge in the number of 
malware-based attacks that resulted in sensitive data being stolen from 
government agencies, defense contractors, Fortune 500 companies, human 
rights organizations and other institutions.

"I absolutely expect this trend to continue through 2012 and beyond," 
said Rik Ferguson, director of security research and communication at 
security firm Trend Micro. "Espionage activities have, for hundreds of 
years, taken advantage of cutting-edge technologies to carry out covert 
operations; 2011 was not the beginning of Internet-facilitated 
espionage, nor will it be the end," he added.

Threats like Stuxnet, which is credited with setting back Iran's nuclear 
program by several years, or its successor, Duqu, have shocked the 
security industry with their level of sophistication. Experts believe 
that they are only the beginning and that more highly advanced malware 
will be launched in 2012.

[...]


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