A Look Ahead at the Cyber Security Forecast for 2016

The year 2015 was really just an extension of the year before in terms of cyber security. It featured lots of high-profile data breaches, some garden-variety malware attacks, and a lot of attention on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. But just as disruptive technologies like cloud, mobile, and data analytics have finally begun to settle into the humdrum of mainstream acceptance, the latest innovations in cyber-crime are taking new forms, as well. Here’s what experts say we’ll be dealing with in the year ahead.

The Growth and Maturation of Cybercrime as a Service

Well, you can outsource everything from tech support to housekeeping, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that you can also outsource your hacking needs. Now the Dark Web offers cybercrime services to whoever has the funds and inclination to pay for it. This often means that cybercrime comes from outside any prosecutable jurisdictions, even if the one actually after you is right next door.

Big Data in the Hands of Cyber Criminals Power Tailored, Personalized Attacks

Just as Amazon and Facebook use your personalized search histories to deliver tailored, personalized customer service (would you like batteries with your remote control monster truck, or could we interest you in Liking the page of the business you just googled?), cyber criminals can collect and use this data to tailor and personalize phishing and malware attacks. For instance, if you tend to pop onto the occasional gambling site, expect a phishing email that claims to be from the FBI, asking for a penalty or fine to avoid prosecution for illegal gambling. The attacks will target you and your habits in a personal way, increasing the likelihood that even savvier users will fall victim.

Ransomware Makes a Big Impact

Ransomware is by no means new, but the level, severity, and frequency of attacks is on the rise. Even law enforcement and government agencies have fallen victim. As scary as ransomware is, there are ways to avoid becoming a victim, or at least to keep your losses to a bare minimum. The bottom line: backup, use good protective and monitoring tools, and don’t pay up.

Mobile Malware Grows in Severity and Frequency

Mobile devices haven’t yet had to face the overwhelming amount of malware (viruses and such) that desktop and laptop computers have to contend with regularly. That’s about to change. Expect the amount of mobile malware to rise considerably in 2016, especially in developing nations like China where newly acquired disposable incomes are driving luxury purchases like smartphones and tablet computers. The good news here is that malware is platform specific, so viruses designed to target iPhones won’t affect your Android and vice-versa.

IoT Devices Become Popular Targets for Hackers

Connected devices like wearable tech, smart cars, smart homes, connected baby monitors, TVs, etc. are actually easy targets for hackers. The vulnerabilities are significant and the breaches are just too tempting. Look for impressive numbers of significant Internet of Things breaches in the year to come.

Expect Legislation to Begin to Address Various Cyber Crimes

It’s taken time for legislators to 1. understand cyber threats, 2. understand what it takes to stop cyber crimes, and 3. get a plan together and passed to help stop cyber criminals. Look for this to finally start to happen in 2016. As political parties and candidates try to glean support from the public and businesses, they should begin to draft and pass legislation to make the environment less conducive to cyber criminals.

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