On December 7 we will release our MessageLabs Intelligence 2010 Annual Security Report looking back at the changes in the threat landscape during 2010. We also use the opportunity to look ahead at potential trends for next year. In the days leading up to the publication of the report we will share a few of these trends.

Stuxnet Strikes Up Malware Specialization

One of the most threatening advances in malware during 2010 broadened the range of targets beyond PCs and servers when the Stuxnet Trojan attacked programmable logic controllers. This specialized malware written to exploit physical infrastructures will continue in 2011 driven by the huge sums of money available to criminal enterprises at low risk of prosecution.
These attacks will range from the obvious targets like smartphones, to any number of less obvious yet critical systems like power grid controls or electronic voting systems. Any technology that can be exploited for financial gain or influence will become a potential target.

Tomorrow: Trending Topics Fashioned to Follow the News

Published earlier:

• Global Spam Trends: http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/2011-trends-global-spam
• Distributed Workforce Drives Security Policies:  http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/2011-trends-distributed-workforce-drives-security-policies
• Security and Services Continue Migrate to the Cloud: http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/2011-trends-security-and-services-continue-migrate-cloud
• Making Web Security Work in an Era of Pervasive Threats: http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/2011-trends-making-web-security-work-era-pervasive-threats