Cyber Security in 2013: What the Experts Predict
Cyber Security in 2013: What the Experts Predict

Trend Micro Inc, one of the world's leading cloud security companies, said that the increased usage of cloud database and digital lifestyle devices will make fighting cybercriminals more complex in 2013.

According to Japanese security software firm Trend Micro, the volume of malicious and high-risk Android apps will hit one million in 2013, up from 350,000 by the end of 2012.

The internet security company further added that an 'arms race' between Android attackers and security providers is likely to occur in the coming year, much like the one that occurred a decade ago over Microsoft Windows.

In order avoid malwares in its app atore, search engine giant Google has created an in-house built app that scans the antivirus system in the form of 'Google Bouncer'. According to reports, Bouncer has reduced malwares close to 40 percent between the first and second quarters of 2011.

Other predictions of Trend Micro include:

  • Average consumers will benefit from Windows 8 OS security enhancements in the coming year. The new OS includes Windows Defender, which provides a certain level of baseline antivirus protection right out of the box.
  • The software security company also predicts that cybercriminals is mostly likely to hit cloud-based services because the existing security tools are less technically evolved to protect the storage systems.
  • Consumers over usage or dependence on internet will make them an attractive target for hackers. Consumer using Smart TV running on Android, iOS or Windows are at risk of being victims of personal data theft due to OS vulnerability.
  • With consumers increasingly using multiple computing platform and devices, data usage security will be a difficult challenge to address in 2013.
  • Trends Micro predicted that the year 2013 will see a rise in politically motivated cyber war between certain countries who try to modify or espionage on top-secret data which may cause destructive damage to infrastructures.
  • Big data infrastructures held by the government and private organisation are expected to be vigilant as the year 2013 will see a rise in attacks on cloud-based services which hold sensitive data.
  • Africa's infamous '419' internet scam (Nigerian monetary fraud) has made news all around the world. Equipped with weak cyber laws, Africa is predicted to become a safe haven to sophisticated cybercrime.
  • Security enforcements are advised to be more vigilant because different cybercriminal groups are joining together to evolve newer technical skills to attack victims without arousing suspicion.
  • Trend Micro predicted that developed countries will take at least two years to effectively bring in cybercrime laws. Threat intelligence is expected to become an important part of standard defenses for businesses holding top-secret data.

More evolved and sophisticated cybercrimes are set to unfold in next year that will question the ability and preparedness of Big Data infrastructures held by Government and private organizations.