Kaspersky Lab spots Bitcoin as Key Security Threat in 2013

As per the latest survey by Kaspersky Lab, in 2013 advanced threat actors have continued large-scale operations, and cyber-mercenaries, specialist APT groups “for hire” which focus on hit-and-run operations emerged. Hacktivists were constantly in the news, together with the term “leak”, which is sure to put fear into the heart of any serious sys-admin out there. In the meantime, cybercriminals were busy devising new methods to steal money or Bitcoins.

“We predicted 2012 to be revealing and 2013 to be eye opening. That forecast proved correct 2013 showed that everybody is in the same boat. Not all attacks involve high-profile targets, or those involved in ‘critical infrastructure’ projects.  Those who hold data could be of value to cybercriminals, or they can be used as a ‘stepping-stones’ to reach other targets. This point was amply illustrated by Icefog attacks this year. They were part of an emerging trend that appeared in 2013  attacks by small groups of cyber-mercenaries who conduct small hit-and-run attacks. Going forward, we predict that more of these groups will appear as an underground black market for ‘APT’ services begins to emerge,” said  Costin Raiu, Director of the Global Research and Analysis team, Kaspersky Lab.

Apart from Bitcoins, which could potentially be stolen, “ransomware” programs became a popular means of making easy money  cybercriminals block access to a computer’s file system, or encrypt data files stored on the computer. Then, they warn you that you must pay in order to recover your data.  This was the case with the Cryptolocker Trojan. The cybercriminals give their victims only three days to pay up, accepting different forms of payment, including Bitcoin.