Windows 8 will be one of the three main targets in 2013, says security firm Websense.
A recent report released by security firm Websense Security Labs states that Windows 8 will become one of the top three most hacked platforms in 2013 alongside Google's Android and Apple's iOS. This is probably a given due to that many Windows 7 users will be upgrading to the new platform while others will be purchasing new machines with the new OS already installed.
"Microsoft’s efforts to produce an extremely developer friendly platform will be embraced by the cybercriminal community, and vulnerabilities will be exploited," the company said in its 2013 Security Predictions. "If they deliver on their promise, the rate of threat growth on Microsoft mobile devices will be the highest."
According to the firm, Android will be targeted because of its open-based nature. Attack techniques used on the desktop platform will continue to migrate over to Google's operating system. Even more, the search engine giant's increased efforts to reduce fragmentation and the platform's overall mobile market share will draw in even more cybercriminals than in previous years.
As for iOS, vulnerabilities will not pose any significant risk due to its closed nature. However, given the strong penetration of iOS in professional environments, IT should consider this a prime platform for targeted attacks, Websense said.
The company made seven predictions for 2013: (1) mobile devices will be the new target for cross-platform threats; (2) cybercriminals will use bypass methods to avoid traditional sandbox detection; (3) legitimate mobile app stores will host more malware in 2013; (4) government-sponsored attacks will increase as new players enter; (5) expert hactivists will move to the next level as simplistic opportunities dwindle (6) malicious emails are making a comeback; and (7) cybercriminals will follow the crowds to legitimate content management systems and web platforms.
"In 2013, threats to Microsoft mobile devices will see the highest rate of growth," the firm said. "Cybercriminals are similar to legitimate application developers in that they focus on the most profitable platforms. As development barriers are removed, mobile threats will be able to leverage a huge library of shared code. Attacks will also continue to increasingly use social engineering lures to capture user credentials on mobile devices."
To read the full report, download the PDF from here – registration is required first.
Windows 8 will be one of the main targets purely because it's the next Windows release. It's no less secure than 7 (technically, it's a little more secure by default, but that's not entirely relevant) and an increase in cyber threats against 8 will also mean an increase in cyber threats for 7 and probably also Vista too.
If anything, the only nearly modern Windows OS that isn't as likely to get such a threat jump is XP and that's solely because of its age and decreasing compatibility with current versions of Windows.
So, this is not in any way a reason to not upgrade because the same trend will slam Windows 7 and probably with even greater vengeance, especially if fewer people buy 8 than already have 7 (making 7 the better target). Whether or not you like 8 is irrelevant in this article and is the sole reason for whether or not you'd upgrade to it. It doesn't take a smart person to see that you dislike 8 (probably for irrelevant or even incorrect reasons anyway), but it also doesn't take a smart person to see that you're not even trying to give good reasons to not upgrade and didn't put any rational thought into your comment here.
My personal opinion of either version of Windows is also irrelevant in saying this: Windows 7, assuming that 8 fails commercially, is going to be a greater cyber security concern than 8 because it will be the larger target and thus the superior target for any hackers looking to get the most infections with their malware.
Furthermore, DjEaZy, you're lying. There is a normal desktop in Windows 8 and anyone who's actually used it should know that.
no you dolts, its cus its the most used smartphone o/s...
open source software can actually be more secure not less
Windows, a.k.a. "one of the most used O.S.'s worldwide", the latest version will be target of hacking?
I never tough hackers would be so clever. /sarcasm
Where do i sign to be paid by sharing those genius observations?
For you and any others talking about hacking the start menu back, that is probably impossible and even if it was, far more difficult than worth doing. It's much easier to simply install a new one such as with Classic Shell, Start8, ViStart/ViOrb, and other such programs, some of which (including Classic Shell as I know from personal experience) can even let you boot directly to the desktop shell as well as install Aero themes and much more.
So it's pretty much like hacking a mac today, then.
Actually, Windows 8 will probably at least get around Vista in popularity which is several times higher than OSX. Also, comparing it to OSX like that is kinda unfair because OSX is ridiculously easy to hack into and/or write malware for and infect with said malware whereas even Windows Vista at least has basic security by default, let alone Windows 8's almost decent default security.
Wow, thanks MS idiots... its like looking at the 17 different flavors of CHEERIOS!