Trend Micro has published its predictions for 2014

Dec 10, 2013 19:41 GMT  ·  By

IT security firm Trend Micro has published its predictions for 2014. The report focuses on mobile malware, targeted campaigns, attack vectors, data breaches, Java 6 and Windows XP vulnerabilities, the Deep Web, privacy and the Internet of Things (Internet of Everything).

Experts believe that cybercriminals will increasingly target mobile devices, especially since people have come to rely on them for a wide range of tasks. One of the greatest concerns is that mobile man-in-the-middle attacks will no longer be mitigated with two-step verification mechanisms.

A perfect example is the malware PERKEL which is capable of intercepting authentication messages from mobile devices.

As far as cybercriminal operations are concerned, researchers predict that the cybercriminals will prefer to launch smaller but more effective campaigns, being motivated by the success of targeted attacks.

Trend Micro warns that in 2014, we can expect to see an increase in the use of clickjacking, watering hole tactics, spear phishing and new exploits. Mobile devices will likely be utilized as an attack vector to penetrate networks.

Judging by the large number of major data breaches that occurred in 2013, next year, we should expect at least one major data breach each month.

Law enforcement agencies from all over the world have come to realize that many illegal activities take place in the Deep Web, which is why they’ve concentrated many of their efforts on investigating such crimes. However, experts believe that law enforcement will continue to face significant challenges.

Following the Edward Snowden revelations and the poor manner in which intelligence agencies motivate their surveillance activities, privacy will continue to be a major issue. Trend Micro predicts that public distrust will continue to ensue.

The complete report, entitled “Blurring Boundaries,” is available on Trend Micro’s website.