Cisco 2009 Midyear Security Report

The Cisco 2009 Midyear Security Report presents an overview of Cisco security intelligence, highlighting threat information and trends from the first half of 2009. The report also includes recommendations from Cisco security experts and predictions of how identified trends will evolve.

As predicted in the Cisco 2008 Annual Security Report, attacks are only becoming more sophisticated and targeted as we move through 2009—and the global recession. However, while cybercrime is more pervasive, there are encouraging signs that increased collaboration among the "good guys" is not only making it more difficult for attacks to take root and grow, but also helping to bring criminals to justice.

Report Highlights

• Criminals are exploiting "old-school" vulnerabilities because they believe security experts and individual computer 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 targeting people who use online banking with well-designed, localized text message scams—and they're leaving virtually no trail.
• The Obama administration has made strengthening U.S. cybersecurity a high priority, and looks to leverage technology innovation and partner with the private sector. Other countries are also stepping up efforts to enhance cybersecurity and prevent cybercrime.
  

In addition, the number of vulnerabilities and discrete threats has been off to a slower start this year compared to 2008, according to research by Cisco-a sign the security community is succeeding in making it more difficult for attacks to take root and grow.

The Cisco 2009 Midyear Security Report (PDF) is now available.