Another Security Warning

This time, from the ISF (Information Security Forum), a leading independent authority on information security, who have just released their predictions for IT security in 2011.

There is a shift predicted to highly organised cyber crime and targeted attacks. It is important that we keep data safe now and plan for the future.

Chief executive Prof. Howard A. Schmidt at the ISF, states: “Even in today’s financial climate and increased threat environment, we are better placed than ever before to meet these challenges – as long as we have the resolve to strengthen and invest in security rather than reduce it.”

There is still time to put security measures in place, and they needn’t cost a fortune. Common sense, combined with first line of defence physical security and second line basic encryption will go a long way in helping to keep information safe and reduce data loss.

Think about the disgruntled employee Criminals will be approaching employees that have been affected by the recession for sensitive company data.

Don’t be a victim of Social Engineering Think back to the Second World War and the nostalgic posters, ‘Loose Lips Might Sink Ships’ and ‘The Walls Have Ears’, and keep information to yourself.

Here are the predicted top ten risks:

1. Criminal attacks
2. Weaknesses in infrastructure
3. Tougher statutory environment
4. Pressures on off shoring / outsourcing
5. Eroding network boundaries
6. Mobile malware
7. Vulnerabilities of Web 2.0
8. Incidents of espionage
9. Insecure user-driven development
10. Changing cultures.

Jason Creasey, head of research at the ISF, has stated that the recession is accelerating the changes and advancements in IT threats: “…. fuelled by increasing staff turnover and dissatisfaction; along with the increased involvement of organised criminal groups that see online crime as a lucrative and low risk alternative to other nefarious activities.”

Click here to visit our Blog