THE FUTURE OF MALWARE: NOTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

     

    As the world we live in today continues to evolve and change, unfortunately, so will the sophistication and motivation of criminals utilizing Malware to defraud and victimize thousands of people every year.  The "future" of Malware itself doesn't really hinge as much on the likelihood of new malicious software developments as much as it does on how new Malware victims will be targeted. One of the most notable trends in internet usage today is of course social media.  The trust decisions we make online can affect us in more ways than we think.  How many times have you accepted a friend request from someone you didn't know?  Or openly disclosed too much private information on a social site? Chances are, you are guilty of at least one of these offenses, if not both.  And hackers everywhere thank you for being so trusting! 

    Another emerging trend is the e-wallet.  Think of how many things you buy, bills you pay, and banking transactions you do online.  In this day and age, you have much less of a need to visit a physical location for any of the aforementioned reasons.  The e-wallet is a rapidly growing trend.  And where the money goes, the criminals are sure to follow.  Also, banks are developing more mobile applications and making nearly every transaction type available to their customers online.  As all of this sensitive information is more frequently being transacted online, it is more commonly susceptible to being infiltrated by Malware lurking in unsecured Wifi systems, spyware, worms, and countless other sources.  Another rapidly growing trend is the use of smartphones as secondary forms of identification.  Many corporate offices that used to require Secure ID badges for their employees have now immigrated to soft tokens which can be stored on mobile devices.  In the future, our mobile phones may even be able to substitute government issued forms of identification such as a driver's license or passport.  With this innovative possibility also comes the immense risk.

    Probably one of the least talked about risks is the threat to our cars and homes. Hackers now have the ability to disable a car alarm, unlock its doors and remotely start it through text messages sent over cell phone links to wireless devices in the vehicle.  Mind boggling right?  As more automobile functions become digital, the threat of malware infiltration increases. Other at-risk devices include airbags, radios, power seats, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability controls, cruise control and communication systems. Hackers of the future could even target home alarm systems, air traffic control systems and flood control in dams.  The saving grace is that as technology continues to develop, so does the sophistication of most anti-virus software. But its still highly critical to be informed and aware of the risks associated with the emergence of more digital, online and mobile capabilities.

References:

1.  Vance, Jeff.  "The future of malware", Network World.  2011 Oct 03.  http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/100311-malware-251426.html?page=3