GTISC lists major 2009 cyber threats

The Georgia Tech Information Security Center (GTISC) has released the GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2009, outlining the top five areas of security concern and risk for consumer and enterprise Internet users for the coming year. The report was released at the annual GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats.

For 2009 GTISC is forecasting five key cyber security areas where threats are expected to increase and evolve:

• Malware — specifically under the guise of benign social networking links
• Botnets — specifically the spread of botnet attacks to wireless and peer-to-peer networks
• Cyber warfare — including targets on the U.S. economy and infrastructure
• Threats to VoIP and Mobile Convergence-specifically voice fraud and cellular botnets
• The Evolving Cyber Crime Economy — including the rise of sophisticated malware-for-sale kits and programs

According to the report, data will continue to be the primary motive behind future cyber crime — whether targeting traditional fixed computing environments or mobile applications.