Business security trends for 2005

IBM has published the results from its 2004 Global Business Security Index Report and provided an overview of the potential 2005 security threat profile. Based on early indicators, a new and troubling trend this year may be the aggressive spread of viruses and worms to handheld devices, cell phones, wireless networks, and embedded computers, which include car and satellite communication systems.

Potential trends in 2005 include:

* Mobile devices - mobile devices such as PDAs and cell phones are the new frontier for viruses, spam and other potential security threats.  Bluetooth and other wireless technologies that connect mobile devices pose new exposures for hackers to target.

* Identity theft - there appears to be no end in sight for identity theft.  Phishing attacks that use spoofed e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to deceive recipients into divulging personal information such as credit card numbers, account user names and passwords, social security numbers, etc. will likely continue to plague businesses and consumers.

* Malware - malicious software (known as malware) writers are getting smarter and are employing basic software development practices to spread destructive software.

* Instant messaging - Botnets will likely move to instant messaging networks for command and control of infected systems.

* VoIP - there will likely be an increase in the disruption of VoIP networks. In particular, eavesdropping and denial of service attacks carried out remotely against VoIP networks could provide significant damage for enterprise organisations.

For more information visit www.ibm.com/security

•Date: 11th February 2005 • Region: N.America/World •Type: Article •Topic: ISM
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