A look at the latest threats that could affect consumers in 2012
Among the security threats that McAfee predicts will come to the fore in 2012:
- Water and electrical utility disruptions. ”We expect attackers to take advantage of the situation in 2012, if only for blackmail or extortion, but in a worst-case scenario public utilities such as water and electrical services could be disrupted.”
- Political “hacktivism.” Translated: “This means public figures such as politicians, political groups and industry leaders could be targeted for political or ideological means. As a result, the websites and systems that consumers normally use could fall victim to attack.”
- Hacks to go: Attacks on automotive systems and GPS.”They can do this two ways–either through infiltrating the device when it’s being manufactured or through the easier route of tricking users into downloading malware that can penetrate the ‘root’ of the system.”