Kaspersky Releases 2015 Security Predictions
By Ally Kutz, contributing writer
Last week, antivirus software provider Kaspersky announced its security predictions for 2015, citing the implementation of advanced persistent threat (APT) by cybercriminals as a main risk to emerge next year.
These cybercriminals are predicted to target banks by remotely commanding ATMs to dispense cash, performing wire transfers from customer accounts, and directing online systems to perform transfers in the background without customer knowledge.
Increases in ATM and point of sale (POS) assaults are predicted to continue, with 2014 displaying a surge of attacks. It is expected that hackers will manipulate ATMs even further in 2015, being able to control ATM machines in real time.
Kaspersky also foresees the break up of large APT groups into smaller, independent groups that will make a greater impact. This fragmentation will also result in more companies being targeted, with the smaller groups varying their attacks compared to the current, more limited attacks by larger groups.
Although many community members have voiced concerns over serious weaknesses in necessary software, 2015 will bring with it new vulnerabilities within old codes, no updates being made to these software programs.
Mac users will also experience some issues, with hackers now developing malware for the Mac operating system due to its increase in popularity in the community. Although Apple has attempted to lock down the operating system, there will still be an increase in malware being pressed via torrents and pirated software packages.
Kaspersky cites Windows XP as being a major issue for many of these systems —including ATM machines, POS terminals, and public transportation ticketing machines — stating that these systems that run the Windows program suffer from weak physical security, making them extremely vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Virtual payment systems, such as Google Wallet and ApplePay, are set to suffer as well, with cybercriminals targeting these systems due to their novelty and lack of strong security measures in place. Although ApplePay holds an improved focus on security, there is still concern over the exploitation of the program by hackers.
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