Cyber espionage a growing threat to national security
ConvergenceAsia staff
30/11/2007

Security technology company McAfee has announced findings from its annual cyber security study in which experts warned that the rise in international cyber spying will pose the single biggest security threat in 2008. Other major trends include an increasing threat to online services such as banking, and the emergence of a complex and sophisticated market for malware.

The annual McAfee Virtual Criminology Report examines emerging global cyber security trends, with input from NATO, the FBI, SOCA and experts from leading groups and universities. The report finds the following conclusions:

- Governments and allied groups are using the Internet for cyber spying and cyberattacks

- Targets include critical national infrastructure network systems such as electricity, air traffic control, financial markets and government computer networks

- 120 countries are now using the Internet for Web espionage operations

- Many cyber attacks originate from China, and the Chinese have publicly stated that they are pursuing activities in cyber-espionage

- Cyber assaults have become more sophisticated in their nature, designed to specifically slip under the radar of government cyber defences

- Attacks have progressed from initial curiosity probes to well-funded and well-organised operations for political, military, economic and technical espionage

Cybercrime is now a global issue, said Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee Avert Labs and product development. “It has evolved significantly and is no longer just a threat to industry and individuals but increasingly to national security. We’re seeing emerging threats from increasingly sophisticated groups attacking organisations around the world.”

“Technology is only part of the solution, and over the next five years we will start to see international governments take action,” he added.

The McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2007 is available for download at www.mcafee.com.

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