Cisco unveils 2009 Midyear Security Report

The Cisco 2009 Midyear Security Report introduced its survey of Cisco security intelligence, highlighting threat information and trends from the first half of 2009, also including recommendations from Cisco security specialists and forecasts of how identified trends will likely develop. 

Thus, report includes the following statements:

• Criminals are exploiting "old-school" vulnerabilities because they believe security experts and individual computer users are paying little attention to these types of threats.

• Compromising legitimate websites for the purpose of propagating malware remains a highly effective technique for criminals. 

• Web 2.0 applications, prized for their ease of use and flexibility, have become lures for criminals.

• Criminals are targeting people who use online banking with well-designed, localized text message scams—and they're leaving virtually no trail.

• The Obama administration has made strengthening US cybersecurity a high priority, and looks to leverage technology innovation and partner with the private sector. Other countries are also stepping up efforts to enhance cybersecurity and prevent cybercrime.

The survey also revealed that the number of vulnerabilities and discrete threats has been off to a slower start this year compared to 2008. 

Thus, as Cisco 2008 Annual Security Report previously forecasted attacks are only getting more and more sophisticated and targeted mainly caused by the global recession. Nevertheless, although cybercrime is advancing rapidly, strong collaboration between some specialists don’t let attacks take root and grow.