Cybersecurity Threats to Pick Up Steam in 2012
A new Georgia Tech Information Security Center report cites search engines, mobile phones and personal information as prime targets for hackers. Larry Greenemeier reports
SUBSCRIBE TO 60-Second Tech
This year has had its share of cybersecurity bombshells. Cybersecurity vendor McAfee revealed widespread theft of government data over the past five years. Now the hacker group Anonymous has threatened to take down the New York Stock Exchange's computers .
Expect more of the same in 2012, maybe even worse. So says a new report (pdf) from the Georgia Tech Information Security Center.
So-called search poisoning will emerge. That's where a cyber attacker inserts a virus or spyware into your search results.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Beware of Mobile Web-based attacks as well. Mobile phones have always been relatively insecure. Now that so many people use them to surf the Web and store sensitive data, they've become a prime target for hackers.
The Georgia Tech report also cautions against the use of hijacked computers, called botnets, to steal personal information from your online accounts and then sell that info to marketers.
Your best defense is common sense. Update your passwords and antivirus software regularly. And play it safe when surfing the Web from your phone. Stick with app stores and other sites you know and trust.
—Larry Greenemeier
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
