Security List to Watch Out for in the Year 2014

Computer security experts expect to see a number of issues in 2014, including potential risks from cloud computing, apps, and mobile devices. 

Every year brings with it a number of new security threats, viruses, and other methods hackers use to attack computers and steal information. 2014 will be no exception to this. Plenty of top computer security experts have already begun putting together a list of possible security threats of which all computer users should be aware. Here are just a few of these threats that you may need to watch out for in 2014. 

Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing has become very popular. A cloud, in computer terms, is basically a new way of saying that information is stored on a server, although usually there’s more than one server in a cloud. Information in the cloud can be accessed over the internet on almost any device and from anywhere. Amazon, for example, offers customers a cloud in which they can store digital music and movies which they’ve purchased. 

While clouds have become very popular in the past few years, they haven’t yet become hacker-proof. Because cyber terrorists haven’t attacked clouds that often, no one is quite certain what real risks or weak points exist. IT professionals may not realize exactly where their systems are vulnerable or may overlook loopholes simply because they’re not familiar with clouds. 

Fortunately, more and more security programs are being created for clouds. It’s now possible to prevent DDoS attacks with cloud antivirus software, for example. However, just because some security procedures are now in place doesn’t mean you can be lax about your cloud antivirus programs. Make certain the security used is just as tight as it would be on a single computer or an app. 

Mobile Apps Will be Targeted More and More 

As mobile apps become more prevalent, experts caution users to check the security on the apps before entering any private information. Many expect banking apps to be hit the hardest. These apps are incredibly convenient for users, but they’re also one of the few that requests very personal information and can net cyber terrorists money. Experts expect to see better security on banking apps, and apps in general, but it may not come in time. Many say to be ready for at least a major mobile attack once a month, if not more. Because Android is the dominant mobile operating system, hackers may target it more often than Windows phones or iPhones. 

There is no One Security Solution 

A number of security companies have cautioned users, especially business owners, to stop looking for a single solution to all of their security needs. Such a single solution isn’t possible because of the sheer number of issues it would have to cover. Instead, users need to divide their system into areas and create a cyber-security system for each. These areas might include network access, data security, internal firewalls, Wi-Fi security, and data transmission. One security system can’t cover them all; instead, look for different ways of protecting each area that can be tailored to that area. 

Interconnectivity Opens Doors 

It’s very convenient to be able to transfer information to a mobile device from a desktop PC, take that device to work, connect to the network, and then transfer that information over to a work computer. PCs, laptops, smart phones, and tablets are passing information around more than ever, but this convenience also opens more doors for cyber theft. Information isn’t contained to one area where it can be more easily protected. Instead, it’s moving from device to device, network to network, and security measures must be in place to protect the information. In some cases, this actually goes beyond computer security—companies must put various policies in place to keep information secure. For some businesses, this means keeping smart phones and other devices off the company network. For others, it means leaving sensitive files at the office instead of taking them home to work on them over the weekend. Corporate policies must be updated to incorporate all of these potential security leaks. 

Security Will Adapt 

As with all cases, expect to see 2014 end with many of these issues resolved or at least on the way to being solved. As always, security experts and antivirus companies will adapt to these new threats.