Security Challenges and Hacktivism

As technology changes cyber-criminals adapt to it. Recently MIT’s Technology Review published an article about the biggest technology security threats of 2012. A lot of us spend much of our time online: working, surfing the Web, or just chatting with friends via social media. If you spend time online, being conscious of these threats can help guard you and your data.

Stolen, Spoofed Certificates

One major issue the article concentrates on is stole or faked certificates. Certificates are used by websites that you log into, like your bank, that prove the site can be trusted. In 2011 the faking of these was a popular strategy used by cyber-criminals and it is thought to be a continuing problem in 2012.

A Common Security Mechanism in Trouble?

Sites use certificates as a security measure more than any other means. If they are no longer seen as trustworthy it might affect everyone, from the consumer, to the large company that is charged with protecting your information.

Another crucial security challenge that we should become aware of is “hacktivism”. “Hacktivism” is the combination of the words activism and hack. Groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec target organizations that they believe are either guilty of wrongdoings or just want to prove the companies have poor security. Whatever the reason, Technology Review says we should expect groups like these to carry on their “hacktivism” well into the future.

Home Automation

The growing popularity of home automation also presents security risks in 2012. As Technology Review writes, an increasing amount of automation systems link security systems, thermostats, lights, as well as the locks to homes’ front doors to the internet. Consider the damage that hackers can do if they break into these systems.