Palo Alto Networks has released predictions for cyber security, the threat landscape, firewall and mobile security for 2014. They include:

1. Securing the mobile device will be inextricably linked to securing the network

Megatrends like BYOD and the rise of the mobile workforce are providing fertile ground for cyber criminals and nation states looking to capitalise on devices operating over unprotected networks. In 2014, threat intelligence gained within the enterprise network will offer new defence capabilities for mobile devices operating outside protected networks. Intelligence gained by mobile devices will offer new signature capabilities to further strengthen enterprise networks.

2. Cloud will get a security makeover

Innovations in network virtualisation are enabling automation and transparent network insertion of next-generation security services into the cloud. Security has remained one of the greatest barriers preventing cloud computing from reaching its full potential. In 2014 next-generation network security and network virtualisation will come together to form a new paradigm for cloud security.

3. Detection times will decrease

Enterprise security has undergone a massive transformation since the introduction of the Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). This has long since moved from an emerging technology to one that’s universally deployed. Newer, advanced security services are letting enterprises gain new advantages in detecting unknown threats and gather that information into a threat intelligence cloud that’s developing an impressively high IQ. The net result will be a measurable reduction in the time it takes to detect a breach.

4. There will be a heightened need for better intelligence

The new era of network security is based on automated processes and building as much intelligence as possible into network security software. This is especially important in industries such as government, education and health care, in which there are staffing shortages. Limited staff need maximum resources including security tools that give them the most visibility into their network traffic and don’t sacrifice business productivity.

5. Security will meet reliability as attacks target control systems

Companies may be able to apply tight network security to data centres and the information they manage. But if they’re not doing the same for certain data centre support systems such as HVAC, cooling and other automated systems that help power, clean and maintain a data centre, they’re leaving the whole data centre vulnerable. These types of attacks, in which smart hackers target the weakest parts of a data centre support infrastructure, will continue.

6. Demand for cyber security and incident response skills will increase

As more advanced threats have become commonplace, the demands on existing IR teams have begun to outstrip capacity, especially in enterprises and government entities. A recent survey by the Ponemon Institute found that only 26 per cent of security professionals felt they had the security expertise needed to keep up with advanced threats. Computer science programmes will continue to adapt to this trend with more focused training in cyber security disciplines.

7. Advanced attackers will move to mobile devices

A wave of crime ware and fraud has already begun to target mobile devices, which are ripe targets for new malware and a logical place for new threat vectors. Mobile platforms will be uniquely leveraged by advanced persistent threats (APTs) thanks to the ability to use GPS location to pinpoint individual targets and use cellular connectivity to keep command and control away from enterprise security measures.

8. Financially motivated malware will make a comeback

The focus of enterprise security will again be on the attacks where money changes hands. Banking and fraud botnets will continue to be some of the most common types of malware. To do so, they will attempt to imitate, contract with or even infiltrate criminallyfocused hacking organisations to provide cover for their operations.

9. Organisations will exert more control over remote access tools

The revelations of how commonly remote access tools such as RDP, SSH and TeamViewer are used to attack networks will force organisations to exert greater control over these tools. Browser plugins such as Remote Desktop and uProxy for Google Chrome will make these tools more accessible and increase the challenge of controlling their use on the corporate network. User privacy is critically important, but users also need to understand that these applications can jeopardise the business.The challenge will be how organisations can best implement controls without limiting productivity.

10. Cyber lockers and cloud-based file sharing will continue to grow, despite the risks

As of this year, Palo Alto Networks is tracking more than 100 variants, and according to its research an average of 13 of these applications are found on networks it analyses. In many cases, there is no business use case for this many variants. While there is business value for some of these applications they do present business and security risks if they’re used too casually.