Cyber criminals will focus their attention on PCs running Windows XP next year, says F-Secure.
F-Secure believes xriminals will target older OS
According to the security firm, machines running Microsoft's older operating system will be the biggest security threat in 2012. Windows 7 may have become the most popular PC operating system in the world, StatCounter figures for October revealed Windows 7 runs 40.5 percent of PCs across the world, while XP can be found on 38.5 percent. However, it doesn't mean there'll be a dramatic decline of Windows XP just yet
According to Sean Sullivan, security advisor at F-Secure: "People seem to be adding new systems without necessarily abandoning their old XP machines, which is great news for online criminals, as XP continues to be their favourite target."
The security firm also revealed Windows Phone 7 devices would be targeted by online criminals in 2012.
"Windows developers should have an easy time creating apps for all current versions of Windows. All of these platforms make use of Microsoft's .NET framework, which makes apps easily portable between Windows 7, Xbox Live and Windows Phone 7," he said while also questioning whether "malware authors will eventually take advantage of this portability?" as well.
F-Secure also says the forthcoming version of Google's Android operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich, looks set to bring more innovative apps and increase the popularity of tablet PCs with consumers even more. However, it might not be long before the cyber criminals turn their attentions to tablet devices.
"There will be many interesting surprises in 2012's threat landscape, though some things will remain the same," added Sullivan.
"We don't expect a drop-off in Windows based threats just because other platforms are emerging. The market isn't just changing, it's growing. I have no doubt that some innovative criminal will find some way to exploit that growth."
Comments
Bruce Miller said: Use Ubuntu 11.10 now. Am I safe/ Remember, it was free download from the net.
JR said: Or so you think you haven't been infected with anything ;)
George Janiashvili said: Very strange comments are here...Thing is not if you use UAC or not, thing is its vulnerabilities and bugs what XP has, not fixed and may not be fixed at all, through UAC is great thing especially for them who does not know much, and there are a many of them. And, microsoft goes to make much secure OS - upcoming one, with AV installed in it.
Maccyroo said: I use Windows 7 as it is a "better" operating system with more features than XP but do not agree about XP being a security risk. UAC is OK for shared computers and children and inexperienced users but the BEST security is experience and a sensible attitude. I log on as admin and have UAC de-activated from day one. Ive never had a virus or anything more nasty than a tracking cookie on my system although i regularly download software, music et al from the net. Unfortunately, XP [which is still in 2011 a decent very usable operating system] will BECOME a security risk in 2014 solely because of Microsofts actions of not providing any further security updates. It could be reasonably argued that IF Microsoft created a SECURE operating system in the first point then the whole argument would be moot. Unfortunately Microsoft have no reason to create a totally secure operating system. If they did then they could no longer use "security risk" as a reason to push unwilling upgraders into buying the latest version of windows.I would probably still be using XP myself [although I accept that windows 7 is far superior and feature rich in use, nothing to do with security] if I hadn't built a new system last year. I feel sorry for the people who will either be faced with a growing risk of getting a compromised system, or forced to upgrade when they don't won't to. Just so Microsoft can fatten their wallets..........
Maccyroo said: A lone voice of sanity! and Common sense.... I've used windows 7 for over 18 months without UAC activated and have never had a virus or even a piece of spyware, other than tracking cookies. I'm the only user and log on as administrator [all against Microsofts opinions for safe use] and regularly download software music etc.As you say, a sensible experienced user is the main requirement for a safe computing experience.
Anonymous said: F-Secure spreading FUD again about XP. F-off F-Insecure. If the user is a moron, nothing can prevent malware. XP can be easily secured if the user is not a complete moron. Lack of UAC doens't mean XP is suddenly next to unusable and every system is in the world is going to start getting infected.
seeyouentee said: Lol . F-secure do you think people are that stupid to believe this crap lmfao
gmx1 said: F-Secure don't know what they are talking about. Windows phone is a closed system, to install any app it needs to be approved my microsoft. If the app is a malware microsoft has a copy of the developer's passport or similar. I guess F-secure are feeling the pressure from the free antivirus Microsoft offers and that's they pay back by making people think Windows phone can get viruses.Windows 8 will be the final song for all these "security" companies, cause it will be a closed platform where only approved apps can be installed. Add on top the antivirus at OS level and many of these companies will go bankrupt soon. Good riddance.
K-walter said: are f secure part of microsoft sending yet another scare for xp users .and there must have been a heck of a lot of people suddenly buy windows 7 in the last 2 weeks to suddenly overtake xp especially in this economic climate