Get an overview of Cisco security intelligence, including information about new threats and trends, for the first half of 2009. The Cisco 2009 Midyear Security Report also includes recommendations from Cisco security experts along with predictions for how identified trends will evolve.

Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted as we move through the global recession. Thanks to increased collaboration, however, the rise of cybercrime may taper off as new security policies make it more difficult for attacks to infiltrate and spread, and also help bring criminals to justice.

Report Highlights

• Criminals are exploiting traditional vulnerabilities because they believe security experts and individual users are paying little attention to these types of threats.
• Compromising legitimate websites for the purpose of propagating malware remains a highly effective technique for criminals.
• Web 2.0 applications, prized for their ease of use and flexibility, have become lures for criminals.
• Criminals are now targeting online banking customers using well-designed, localized text message scams that leave virtually no trail in their wake.
• The Obama administration has made strengthening U.S. cybersecurity a high priority, and plans to meet threats by using technological innovations and partnering with the private sector. Other countries are similarly increasing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and prevent cybercrime.
• Compared to 2008, the number of vulnerabilities and discrete threats has not risen as quickly. According to research by Cisco, this is a clear sign that the security community is succeeding in making it more difficult for attacks to take root and grow.