Computer Network Security Predictions for 2008

Everyone seems to be making predictions for what is in store in the security field for the next year. Much is not based on any real data. I just hate to be left out, here are mine, without any data.

Good:

Training: Security awareness will be provided on a more widespread basis as the corporate environment is increasingly considering security a priority.

Funding: Should go up slightly and may see a change in the models. Corporate could perhaps benefit from government or vice versa. You get the idea. Either way, we get what we need - maybe not what we want.

State-level: Security awareness at the state level has increased in recent times. I suspect multiple entities attached to state sponsored networks will work collaborate at some point. Perhaps a state-wide intrusion protection system could be implemented? All the attacks seen at a major university: causing widespread blocking influences the state's protection system to also block the same sources, which in turn protects the library systems computers which hadn't even been targeted. We toyed with this idea years ago and have since dropped the ball. I would sure be excited about working on such a system. The benefits are obvious, local, immediate and benefit all interested parties.

Anti-virus software: AV software needs to adapt. The scan'em, tag'em and bag'em approach is slowing the industry down and corporations are slowly realizing it. What direction will it go?

Vista rebirth: I am uncertain whether this goes in the bad or good pile, but I will be positive and opt for good. Vista needs to follow OS/2 - (who?). I loved OS/2 and was sad to see it go. I cannot say that for Vista, but it does need to go. Every time I meet a new person and they find out I am a computer security professional they do not get much further than 'computer' and ask me how to remove Vista and go back to XP. Is there a way? Mostly I tell them to return the computer and have it removed - I like the approach that costs the retailers more money rather than the customer. I gave Vista a huge college try and I just hate it. Often I find myself on a friend's computer trying to solve some problem and I get the college-dorm room feel: nothing is where I left it. Where did my roommate put the network settings? Did you wear my control panel last?

Bad:

Hacking for money has been around for a while - this is the year it will get national, if not global, attention.

Hacking groups, which already resemble mafia-style organizations, will evolve and eat the host the feeds them. In other words, mafia supported hacking groups will become hacking groups that support the mafia. They will graduate to a major source of funding for the mafia in the very least.

Voting associated hacking attacks will more than double and could cause a major state or region-wide incident.