Study reveals serious security issues expected to emerge in 2012

Friday, January 06, 2012

A recent study released by a security firm highlighted several trends expected to take place in 2012, placing businesses in the cross hairs of cyberattacks.

According to the research, criminals will evolve in the new year to develop more banking threats that bypass the computer and attack mobile devices. Hackers are also expected to steal money and spread malware in 2012.

"The United States realizes how vulnerable it is, probably more than any other country because of its massive dependence on computer systems and a cyberdefense that pretty much defends only government and military networks," said the study.

Another key development that will take place in 2012 is the use of legitimate spam. According to the study, companies have purchased authorized email lists.

A recent eWeek report revealed the scope of the security landscape in 2011 as businesses of all sizes were targeted by hackers. According to the news provider, many breaches that occurred in the past year centered around mobile devices and hacktivism. One of the year's most significant incidents struck Sony's PlayStation Network when more than 100 million customer records were illegally accessed.