Prediction: Ransomware, Internet of Things dynamics to change in 2017, says Kaspersky Lab researchers

Jessica Kim Cohen -

The cyberthreat landscape is expected to change in the coming year, according to a report by the international cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab.

Here are three of their top threat predictions:

1. Internet of Things. An increase in attacks against Internet-connected devices will likely take place, as manufacturers continue to develop unsecure Internet of Things devices. On a larger scale, infrastructure and manufacturing systems are often connected to the Internet with little security, as well; the researchers project cyberattackers with advanced skills may disrupt these systems during times of geopolitical tension.

2. Ransomware. This past year saw an increase in ransomware attacks, in which cybercriminals infect a computer system with software that blocks access until a set amount of money — the "ransom" — is paid. In an effort to quickly restore their organization's function, many executives have agreed to pay ransoms to cybercriminals this past year; however, the researchers project that, in 2017, cybercriminals will begin failing to return server access.

3. Information warfare. This past year, the researchers saw a trend of cybercriminals hacking information from public officials to publicize online, often for aggressive purposes. They not only expect to see this trend increase in 2017, but also note the risk of hackers manipulating or selectively disclosing information, since individuals often accept this uncovered data as fact.

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