Malware Disguised as Social Networking Tops Emerging Security Threats

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

What's the top threat to data security going to be in 2009? According to the GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2009 out of Georgia Tech's Information Security Center, the answer is malware specifically disguised as "benign social networking links."

The report, released at the GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats this week, identifies the key data security threats that are likely to expand and evolve in the coming year. It focuses on threats to both consumer and enterprise systems.

According to the second-annual report, the chief motivator for all of the top emerging threats will be data. Last year's inaugural report cited financial gain as the chief motivator, and "Web 2.0" was cited as the top emerging threat category. But Web 2.0 doesn't even make the top-five list for 2009.

Instead, this year's list includes the following:

  1. Malware disguised as social networking links;
  2. Botnets, which GTISC said are growing faster even than viruses and spam;
  3. "Cyber warfare" (attacks on economy and infrastructure);
  4. VoIP and mobile convergence issues, including "voice fraud and cellular botnets"; and
  5. "The Evolving Cyber Crime Economy," which includes malware programs and kits for sale.

"At GTISC, we strongly believe that a proactive approach to understanding emerging threats will help us develop more effective information security technologies and strategies," said Mustaque Ahamad, director of GTISC, in a statement released Thursday. "The annual GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats and this report seek to give us a better understanding of the increasingly sophisticated cyber security challenges we will face in the years ahead...."

The 2009 report can be downloaded in PDF format here. A Webcast covering he report, as well as additional information, can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.

  • laptop displaying AI-powered educational content

    Kira Introduces AI-Generated Lesson Tool

    AI company Kira has announced a new AI-powered lesson generation tool that it says delivers complete, standards-aligned lessons that are personalized to each student.