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Cyberoam 2014 IT Security Predictions Cite Hyper Attacks Underway

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Cyberoam Technologies Private Limited, a global Network Security appliances company with a careful analysis of security and IT trends in the most recent past and a strong foresight that comes from years of industry experience and intelligent extrapolation of the past and the present, on Friday released it security predictions for 2014.

Cyberoam offers future-ready security solutions to physical and virtual networks in organizations with its Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) and Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances.

Thus, in its intelligent analyses of IT security in the new year came up with the following ten (10) predictions.

“Client-Side Software Exploits” – It Will Be!

Cyberoam Threat Research Labs foresees an increase in Client-side software exploits compared to the Server-side in next few years.

2013 has seen numerous such exploits where base client software like Microsoft and Adobe were exploited to spread the attack vectors across the network.

The recent Microsoft advisories indicating client side exploits also support this prediction. Reasons for this hike include increased scope of exploitation with increase in attack vectors, higher base of users who use these softwares, and lastly, the money involved in it.

The exploit kits used to exploit server side vulnerabilities cost much less than client side exploit kits, indicating the premium the latter demand. Realizing that client side exploits will bring in more money, the focus on exploiting client-side vulnerabilities will increase too!

Attack Vectors To Get More Intelligent

Attacks in 2013 have left us with one clear picture – the rising sophistication and professionalism among attackers. In times to come, Cyberoam predicts attacks, wherein the attackers will get more specific, both in terms of their objective and attack strategies.

Gone are the days when attacks were meant for the masses. Attackers now know whom and how they would attack and they are changing their attack strategies to hit straight on the bull’s-eye rather than shooting in the dark.

In addition to this, few attacks from 2013 indicate the evolution of attacks including proven components from already-used attacks, combined to form more detrimental attacks.

Attacks On Industrial Control Systems & Scada Systems To Continue

The amplified impact that an attack on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) can cause, justifies the interest attackers have on such systems. ICS/SCADA system attacks can cause catastrophic damage not only to a single unit but at times to an entire country/province.

It is the spread of impact compounded with lack of adequate security available in such systems that have made ICS/SCADA networks a lucrative target for attackers. As per statistics, there were 198 cyber attacks in 2012 and the numbers increased to 240 in 2013. Cyberoam predicts further rise in such attacks on ICS/SCADA networks in 2014 and beyond.

New Exploit Kits Will Be Explored And Used

Use of Blackhole exploit kit for attacks is a known fact. It is no secret that it was used extensively for attacks in the past. But with the arrest of ‘Paunch’ in 2013, the man behind the Blackhole exploit kit, new exploit kits are slowly showing up. In addition to this, as attacks utilising Blackhole exploit kit have been exposed, it emerges as a need among attackers to come up with new ways to target their victims.

Also, with recent trends showing rise in exploits based on client side vulnerabilities, Cyberoam predicts that this menace is only going to aggravate.

Increase In Need For Context-Aware Security

With increase in number of security features or solutions in an organization’s network to tackle emerging security risks, the job of security professionals is getting more complex. With rising number of devices, users and applications to monitor, this becomes even more difficult. The volume of data that the security appliance(s) offer on various parameters is becoming a problem for network administrators, presenting a need for context-aware security that enables faster decision making and action with the security intelligence it offers.

Cyberoam predicts an increase in demand for context-aware security for 2014. The rising need in context-aware security goes in continuation with Cyberoam’s prediction in 2013 regarding the rise in need for User Threat Quotient & Device Threat Quotient.

Security of Hybrid Cloud

In a generation of increased mobility where tablets and smart devices are displacing desktops and paper-based processes, more users are turning to Cloud, specifically the Hybrid Cloud, as it offers more efficiency , business optimization, access to real-time data and always-on availability.

However , the ability of Hybrid clouds to burst into the public cloud space when necessary is bringing up security concerns.

Although this capability is particularly useful to organisations, it may be a call for danger and users and security vendors are realizing this. Cyberoam predicts an increase in demand for security in Hybrid Cloud environments.

Browser-Based Attacks Are Still Hot!
In a bait to achieve sure-shot infection and victimize users, use of browser-based attacks like Water hole will further rise. This will include a rise in exploitation of browser vulnerabilities and also use of malicious websites. Attackers will continue to target users by directing them to trusted and commonly visited URLs which would be infected with malicious codes.

Water hole mechanism includes cyber offenders infecting websites that are frequently visited by their targets. In 2013, many have already agreed on the rise seen in watering holes. In fact a lot of hackers that were using spear phishing attacks to target users have also started using watering holes.

Mobiles Still Remain A Darling Of Malware Attackers And Exploits

Increasing base of smartphone users is a primary reason for attackers to find interest in attacking those devices. In addition to this, users use their personal devices to access work emails and connect to company networks, which aggravates this interest further.

Applications are the backbones of smart phones and most of the mobile apps lack adequate security, adding to the misery of security on mobile devices.

All of these factors collate to increase the interest attackers have in smart devices. 2014 is sure to experience newer and sharper mobile threats

“Internet of Things” Adds Security Risks For Home Devices

IOT- ‘Internet of Things’ is something we all are waking up to, these days. Everything seems to be on the Internet! Right from our work to social lives, and storage needs, Internet has also opened its doors to home devices now! As more and more home devices get connected to the Internet, it is obvious that attackers will soon find their way through them too.

Cyberoam predicts a rise in need for security solutions for home devices, besides your office devices. Because one thing is evident – the level of risk and quantum of vulnerability is similar, irrespective of whether the device resides in your home or in your office network.

Windows Users At Risk As Windows XP Comes To End-Of-Life
As Microsoft decides to stop supporting Windows XP after 8th April 2014, users will need to upgrade to newer Windows versions, and so will the attackers shift their focus to these versions.

Moreover, users who still continue to use Windows XP, will not have their vulnerabilities patched, leaving them open to exploits.


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E-Business

Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

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The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.

When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.

Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.

With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.

When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.

This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

 


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Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga

The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.

To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.

Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.

Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”

He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”

Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.

As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.

Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.


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Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

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The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.

When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.

At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.

“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.

 


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