Aggresive cyber-criminals '˜could target our smart phones'

Smart phones, watches, televisions, and fitness trackers could be targeted by cyber criminals seeking to hold users to ransom over their personal data, cyber security chiefs have warned.
A new warning has been issued about the aggressive tactics of cyber-criminals.A new warning has been issued about the aggressive tactics of cyber-criminals.
A new warning has been issued about the aggressive tactics of cyber-criminals.

The rise of internet-connected devices gives attackers more opportunity to deploy their increasingly “aggressive” and “confrontational” tactics, says a joint report from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

It highlights the huge amount of personal information on consumer gadgets which could be exploited by criminals seeking to commit extortion or fraud.

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The study forecasts that this year it is likely that “ransomware” will target connected devices containing data such as photos, emails and even fitness progress information.

“This data may not be inherently valuable, and might not be sold on criminal forums but the device and data will be sufficiently valuable to the victim that they will be willing to pay for it,” the assessment says.

“Ransomware on connected watches, fitness trackers and TVs will present a challenge to manufacturers, and it is not yet known whether customer support will extend to assisting with unlocking devices and providing advice on whether to pay a ransom.”

A surge in the number and variety of internet-ready products has sparked a string of security warnings. There have even been suggestions that baby monitors and pacemakers could be vulnerable to hacking.

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Analysts have forecast that by 2020 there will be as many as 21 billion connected devices used by businesses and consumers around the world.

The NCSC and NCA’s 2016/17 report on the cyber threat to UK business says: “The rise of internet connected devices gives attackers more opportunity.”

The paper notes that smart devices are still “inherently more difficult” to attack than traditional computers, saying that incidents may initially be limited to users who download apps from third-party app stores.

Ministers launched the NCSC, which is part of GCHQ, amid mounting concern over the potential danger to Britain’s industry and infrastructure from online attacks.

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The new report says the cyber threat to UK business is “significant and growing”.

In three months after the centre was created, there were 188 “high-level” attacks as well as “countless” lower-level incidents.

The danger is “varied and adaptable”, ranging from high-volume, opportunistic attacks to “highly sophisticated” and persistent threats.

Growing use of recreational drones with cameras is worrying farmers and landowners because of concerns over privacy and safety, it is claimed.

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The Country Land and Business Association issued the warning in response to a government consultation.

It suggests compulsory registration and insurance for drones and a change to the Civil Aviation Act 1982, which would mean recreational drone users would need to seek the landowners’ permission before flying over private land.

CLA solicitor Andrew Gillett said regulations needed to keep up with the pace of change.