Top 10 internet security threats for 2008

InformationWeek has published internet security firm Symantec’s list of the top five security threats for 2008.

1. Data breaches: The biggest risk is corporate information walking out the door – often in the hands of disgruntled former employees.
2. Windows Vista: The latest Windows operating system has had 16 security patches since its introduction. Symantec foresees more to come.
3. Spam: Spam reached record levels in 2007. Next year there are likely to be even more, and increasingly using more sophisticated formats like PDF and MP3 to try and catch attention.
4. Cybercrime: Widely available kits like WebAttacker and MPack make malicious expertise available globally in an instant. The only requirements are a download, some IT savvy, and contempt for the law.
5. Phishing: Like spam, there has been an explosion in these deceptive emails, which are designed to lure the recipient into giving up valuable personal information. Expect ever more sophisticated ploys in 2008.