Microsoft has listed out top cyber threats predictions for 2014 which includes the likes of social engineering attacks; increase in ransomware; spam and phishing attacks targeting gullible users interested in major sports event during 2014; and dying Windows XP.
In a blog post Tim Rains, Director Trustworthy Computing, has provided a glimpse of the security threat landscape for 2014 listing out a total of eight predictions from leading cybersecurity experts. Predictions include the need for harmonization once the US releases its Cybersecurity Framework; increased cybercrime activity before and during the world cup; exploiting of unsupported software including Windows XP; increase in social engineering; and greater impact of ransomware.
Tim Rains notes that reluctance to abandon Windows XP before April 8, 2014 deadline will prove lethal for organizations as well as home users because the decade old operating system “will not be able to keep pace with attackers, and more Windows XP-based systems will get compromised.
Rains reiterated what Microsoft has been saying for over a year now: “on April 8 2014, support will end for Windows XP.”
“This means Windows XP users will no longer receive security updates, non-security hotfixes or free/paid assisted support options and online technical content updates”, he added.
Director of Trustworthy Computing said that users should migrate to newer and more secure platforms like Windows 7 and Windows 8 before the April 8 deadline next year to stay ahead of attackers.
