Apple
Gone are the days of the infallible Mac. “In previous years, there used to be the point of view of, “Oh, I have an Apple. I don’t have to worry about viruses,” and to a certain extent that was true,” Marcus says. “You don’t have to worry about PC based attacks on your Mac platform, you have to worry about Mac based attacks on your Mac platform.”
Previously relatively unphased by malicious attacks, Macs will become a viable target for cybercrooks in 2011. While more users adopt highbrow gadgets like iPhones and iPads, sophisticated Mac-targeted malware will seek them out. McAfee expects an increase in Apple-specific botnets and Trojans through malicious code that works on all Mac products. “Convergence serves the bad guys really well, too,” Marcus says, saying that it’s users’ lack of security know-how with these Apple devices that will ultimately put them at risk. So iPad adopters, take note.
Next: Apps
Apps
The year’s hottest digital collectibles, apps will become one of 2011’s most dangerous downloads. Available for tech’s most used tools – Facebook, mobile devices, computers and now, your TV – apps are becoming one the most favored attacks by cybercriminals. The key to protection is (unfortunately) in the fine print. “People should be warned about which applications are really looking at their personal information,” Marcus says. “That’s always been the big difficulty with Facebook applications. When you click “Allow,” there’s that warning sign that you’re allowing that application to access your information and you really are. When you click “okay” you’re basically allowing that application to click through your whole profile.”
By far the newest (and most susceptible) platform to app attacks are new Internet-enabled TVs. “You’re still going to the same, old Internet,” Marus says. “That’s the thing people don’t get.” To avoid downloading malicious apps, which could access your iTunes or Amazon account information used to download entertainment, users should stick to brands they know and trust. “If you’re using a Google appliance, stick with YouTube and other Google approved clients instead of going to the ones you don’t really know about.”
Next: Friendly Fire
