Security firm Malwarebytes Labs has released its annual list of predictions for the following year’s cybersecurity issues, focusing – obviously – on malware.
Here then are some of Malwarebytes’ expectations for 2019:
- AI Will Make Malware Dangerously Nimble According to Malwarebytes, artificial intelligence that communicates with a computer that has been compromised “and monitors which and how certain malware is detected can quickly deploy countermeasures.” In other words, AI will give malware the means to revise its own code, allowing it to avoid detection from any security tool that has been deployed to stop it. Yes, that sounds as scary as you think it does.
- Individual Cryptominers Will Probably Be Safer If you you like mining Bitcoin at home, here’s some good news: Cybercriminals are going to be less likely to deploy cryptocurrency malware on consumer desktops because they’ve found that it’s just not very profitable. Instead, they will focus on revenue-generating platforms like IoT and servers. They’re becoming on big-game hunters now.
- Your Online Purchases Are Going to Become Riskier The convenience of online shopping is obvious; it’s why Amazon and Alibaba have grown into the world-conquering behemoths that they’ve become. But according to Malwarebytes, your online activity – whether it’s buying “roller skates or concert tickets” – will be under increased threats. Hackers are targeting websites that process payments, where they harvest personal information – also called “digital skimming” – from the checkout page. This information appears as clear text if the shopping cart software is flawed.
- BYOS is Going to Grow You probably attended a party in your younger days that was BYOB – or “bring your own beer.” Well, Malwarebytes predicts that BYOS – or “bring your own security” – is going to continue to grow in 2019. This means consumers will be bringing their own security tool “to the workplace as a first or second layer of defense to protect their personal information.” It’s not a party until the security shows up, we suppose.
You can read Malwarebytes’ full list here.
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