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These days, it seems there is a cybercriminal seeking to steal user data at every turn. Whether it be through a payment card system intrusion or other malware attack, individuals currently have to be on their guard to ensure the safety of their sensitive information. One way to be proactive about these protections is to be aware of prevailing security risks in the wild. To help users remain informed, here are a few of the top emerging cybercrime threats:

Smart TV attacks
According to Tech Times contributor Lori Sandoval, security expert and Kaspersky Lab CEO Eugene Kaspersky recently cautioned users to be aware of the growing scope of malware attacks, which could now include smart televisions.

"The threats will diversify to mobile phones and to the home environment, such as through televisions, which are now connected to the Internet," Kaspersky stated in an interview with The Telegraph.

While there has yet to be a confirmed attack on a smart TV, Kaspersky noted that the same malware attacks that affect desktop workstations and laptops have begun targeting mobile phones. Soon enough, these cybercriminals and malware samples will focus on other connected items, including smart TVs. Kaspersky said "it's just a matter of time" before these types of attacks emerge.

PoS system infections
Another attack style that has been increasingly cropping up in today's technological environment is infections of point-of-sale systems, such as that which occurred during the recent Target data breach. A Verizon security report noted that retailers, hotel establishments and other organizations with PoS technology in place must be wary of these attacks. However, due to the high profile surrounding recent breaches that leverage this infiltration strategy, the frequency of PoS attacks has been reduced, CNN Money writer Michal Lev-Ram stated.

Advanced payment card skimmers
Lev-Ram also noted that today's hackers are still utilizing payment card skimmers, a small device that fits over a regular scanner within ATMs, gas pumps and other payment stations. However, cybercriminals have been improving their efforts in this approach. Whereas in the past, the cyberthief would have to go back to the machine and recover the device, now individuals can collect payment card data remotely via a wireless network or Bluetooth.

Attacks targeting Web applications
This is one of the most common causes of data breaches today, Lev-Ram stated. The Verizon report calls Web apps the "proverbial punching bag of the Internet," as a range of attack strategies like phishing, malware and bypassing passwords can allow a hacker to infiltrate these endpoints. However, leveraging strong authentication credentials and two-factor authentication can help combat these attacks.

Loss or theft of devices
While this type of attack is nothing new, it is an ongoing threat to the safety of sensitive information stored on users' smartphones, tablets, laptops or other mobile hardware. As a recent Verizon security report pointed out, "Accidents happen. People lose stuff. People steal stuff. And that's never going to change."

However, these instances do make the case for the use of encryption to protect content archived on mobile devices. An SSL certificate can provide the encryption needed to render certain documents and databases unreadable to unauthorized viewers.

Protect data in transit with an SSL certificate today.

corporate office

Thawte
The Gateway
Century Lane
Century City, 7441
Cape Town
South Africa

Postal Address:
P O Box 15986
Panorama 7500
Cape Town
South Africa

Call: +353 1 793 9141
Fax: +27 21 819 2950