5 Trends That Will Impact on Security in 2015

The boundaries that separate security threats are beginning to blur. As 2015 commences, it is anticipated that threats will become more diversified and advanced. Here are the 5 things security researchers at AhnLab believe will have the biggest impact on security in 2015 and beyond. 

 

 

1. Increased Fraud of Online Banking and Mobile Payment Systems
The volume and scope of mobile financial services is growing rapidly as the market extends from a basic mobile banking service to a mobile payment platform. It is obvious from recent experience that this will be accompanied by increased risks regarding mobile payments.
When it comes to online banking fraud, it is expected that banking malware distribution by various Web Exploit Toolkits will increase dramatically in 2015. These toolkits are used to create malware for various vulnerabilities.

 

2. Evolved Malware Attacks via Optimization of Distribution and Operation Methods
In 2015, it is expected that targeted malware and its distribution and operation methods will increase. So far, stealthy malware have commonly resulted in infections staying hidden within the system for long periods of time. Stealthy malware avoids the detection methods of typical security solutions by secretly and consistently changing its state. In the meantime, other malwares that are intended for random and unspecified targets will also increase.

 

3. POS Systems at Significant Risk
Due to the recent POS system attacks, businesses are enhancing their security measures. This year, we expect that hacking attempts against POS system providers will also increase. To combat the increase in POS system attacks, governments are focusing on developments in enhanced credit card payment methods. However, these developments may take many years and significant investment to implement for all POS systems and credit cards.

​

4. More Information Leakage via Open Source Vulnerabilities and Target Attacks
New vulnerabilities will be discovered in open source programs in 2015. Previously, it was believed that open source programs were safer than other programs due to the fact that they are consistently updated by experts who found and fixed flaws. However, as new and critical vulnerabilities are discovered intermittently in open source programs, proper measures must be taken to protect them.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) will also continue to steadily increase in number. In addition, targets will be extended to various fields of industries and the national organizations to focus on commercial secrets, financial information, and military intelligence.

 

5. Emerging IoT Threats as Risks, Rather than Proofs-of-Concept
The Internet of Things (IoT) sector is expanding continuously due to rapid technology development. As more devices are connected to computer networks, the level of risks to these devices also increases. As a result, all of these objects can become cyber targets. Traditional security measures are not valid for internet-connected devices due to their varying types and performance.

 

 

​