Job Outlook For Cybercrooks Improves

Among the top five trends predicted by security firm Fortinet in its "Top 5 Security Trends for 2011" states that hackers are likely to get more jobs in 2011.

Fortinet predicts that there will be lots of Job opportunities for those who are capable of writing malware packers, who can crack CAPTCHA codes, and circulators who can propagate harmful code. That is quite ironical.

Although hackers usually installed their botnets themselves, Fortinet states that this job is particularly meant for middlemen, giving examples of the Hiloti and Alureon botnets. Money mules accountable for wiring funds and cashing checks have to be substituted as usual.

One more trend estimated for 2011 is that hackers will be dependent on utilizing already existing source code to develop new and somewhat variant malware strains. As same malware comes today in different name, this increasing trend will continue to perplex the meaning of names allotted by different security firms.

The security firm states that security techniques like address space layout randomization (ASLR), data execution prevention (DEP), virtualization, PatchGuard/kernel driver signing and sandboxing, a method for making confined execution environments, have become commonplace, along with the 64-bit machines running them. This change has surely restricted malware stomping grounds, which will drive demand in 2011 to break through these chains. Fortinet states that 64-bit rootkits can come next to gain footing on the latest machines.

Further, Fortinet predicts that in 2011 officials will merge international collaborative efforts and partner with security task forces to close down cybercrooks operations that are growing in number. The Zeus takedown that happened in 2011 which leads to charges by authorities in U.S. and U.K., is a prefect example, and Fortinet think foreshadows things to come.

Finally, Fortinet predicts that as hackers attack machines in 2011, the value of already hacked systems will shoot up. Thus, Fortinet expects to see a price increase in crime services like bot rentals that install harmful software on machines and malware that includes machine maintenance to increase an infected system's uptime.

Related article: Job Hunters Conned By Mystery Shopping Scammers

» SPAMfighter News - 12/25/2010