We can expect a lot of scams in connection with the World Cup

In 2014, criminals could be targeted by the “Internet of Things” - a network of Internet-enabled home appliances, televisions and vehicles, and other similar devices.

In addition, we can expect a lot of scams in connection with the World Cup and we can also encounter dynamically downloading pests.

Today, many devices, whether lighting and heating systems, refrigerators, washing machines, are constantly connected online and can be controlled via applications or directly via the Internet. Spying through cameras built into smart TVs, manipulating the computer system of motor vehicles are just two examples of sources of danger. Experts at AG Data say a malware campaign could target some smart household appliance as early as this year.

In 2014, one of the biggest events on the calendar of cybercriminals is the World Cup in Brazil. Targeted fraud, malware, and spam campaigns can increase dramatically in the meantime and during the event. The perpetrators will bomb football fans with fake offers embedded in spam offering tickets, cheap flights, accommodation and live broadcasts.

The attack on android devices also continues. The good news for us is that the security mechanisms introduced in the new versions of Google’s operating system could reduce paid SMS scams, and the bad news is that the perpetrators will instead focus on stealing personal information and setting up mobile botnets.