Cyber-spying with Sophisticated Malware Expected in 2012

Cyber-security experts have cautioned Internet-users about one dramatic expansion in cyber-spying as well as indicated that the criminals behind them are likely to utilize sophisticated forms of malware for intercepting stored data during the forthcoming year (2012). Siliconindia.com published this on December 27, 2011.

Incidentally, the current year (2011) has been witness to several instances of data hacks against Fortune 500 enterprises, security agencies, government organizations, and human rights groups, across the world.

Furthermore, the past year (2010) witnessed the severest online-threats such as Stuxnet, a computer worm that jeopardized modern day's nuclear facilities established within Iran. Later during October 2011, the Duqu virus was discovered that worked somewhat like Stuxnet, while attacking trustworthy entities supplying digital certificates that legitimized server connections while anyone went online. Interestingly, during research conducted using malicious codes by Europe's independent security investigators as well as Symantec and McAfee laboratories, it was established that Duqu represented one sophisticated edition of Stuxnet.

Moreover, according to security experts, fresh Duqu versions are likely to wreak havoc during early 2012.

Nevertheless, in spite of worms like Duqu and Stuxnet emerging, security researchers aren't convinced that there's a cyber warfare actually advancing globally as 2012 ushers in.

In fact according to Prof. John Walker a Security Advisory Group member of ISACA, the organization entrusted with authorizing IT professionals, for there being an opponent force that can be described as "War," it's necessary to have one situation of conflict that's per se declared, something that he recollects hasn't ever occurred within any incidence of cyber-war. Pcworld.com published Walker's statement on December 26, 2011.

Nevertheless, in case the term 'war' was to be used in connection with 'cyber-conflict,' then the case would be quite different for it would involve routine forceful deployment of the mentioned abilities some way or the other that would back a military else political motive, the professor added.

More importantly, security experts caution that online dangers such as Duqu and Stuxnet can quite result in crucial global cyber-conflicts henceforth, however, at present corporate houses and governments require worrying increasingly of cyber-spying attempts, which rely on simpler programs that 'exfiltrate' data.

Related article: Cyber Child abuser Sentenced To Imprisonment

» SPAMfighter News - 1/4/2012