As technology changes cyber-criminals adjust to it. Recently MIT’s Technology Review published an article concerning the biggest technology security threats of 2012. A lot of us spend much of our time online: working, surfing the Web, or just chatting with friends via social media. If you spend time online, being familiar with these threats can help defend you and your data.
Stolen, Spoofed Certificates
One major issue the article concentrates on is stole or faked certificates. Certificates are used by websites that you log into, like your bank, that prove the site can be trusted. In 2011 the faking of these was a frequent strategy employed by cyber-criminals and it is believed to be a continuing problem in 2012.
A Common Security Mechanism in Trouble?
This is a serious issue since the use of certificates and encrypted data is the most common security mechanism on the web. If they can no longer be trusted, that means potential trouble for all computer users.
Another common security challenge is what is known as “Hacktivism”. Cyber-criminals look at this as activism through hacking, hence the name. Organizations like Anonymous and LulzSec target large businesses that they believe are guilty of wrongdoing. They also target companies to show the vulnerability and weakness of them. Technology Review believes that groups like these will continue “hacktivism” for a long time.
Home Automation
In 2012 another security risk is the increasing popularity of home automation. People connect alarm systems, lights, even locks, to the internet to automate their homes. If reliable companies are not used or if hackers get into these systems picture the damage that can be done.
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