The number of threats now on the web is incalculable given the rate at which they are amassing.
Nevertheless, there are those that make more of an impact than others and 2010 has been a year full of big moments.
We take a look back at some of the most significant threats, taking into consideration both their prevalence and industry impact.
10. Adobe exploits
Adobe had an up and down year, but it had plenty to contend with in the security space. The number of exploits affecting its software was disconcerting, even more worrying when looking at the zero-day threats affecting the likes of Reader and Flash.
It is the prevalence of the software that makes it most concerning, yet Adobe is clearly taking steps to shore up its defences, in particular with some sandboxing technology.
9. Mobile malware
As expected, smartphones increasingly became a target for data-hungry crooks. Android was under plenty of scrutiny, with malware targeting the Google OS found to have quadrupled in 2010.
One of the most widely reported smartphone stories of the year focused on the JailbreakMe app, which exploited security holes to allow non-approved apps to run on the phone. Whilst the app proved popular, the fact was the flaws could have allowed hackers to compromise iPhones.
Apple duly closed the vulnerabilities that JailbreakMe had used, but expect to see similar apps to appear in the coming months.
8. Mariposa
The Mariposa botnet was a mega-botnet with control over nearly 13 million computers. Various arrests were made, with the mastermind taken into custody in Slovenia after a global effort from law enforcement.
The successful identification and arrests surrounding Mariposa raised a major theme of 2011: it may have been one of the best years yet for cyber crime takedowns, but the scale of the threats was startling nonetheless.
-
Asus ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH reviewReviews A stunning foldable 17.3in OLED display – but it's too expensive to be anything more than a thrilling tech demo
-
How the UK MoJ achieved secure networks for prisons and offices with Palo Alto NetworksCase study Adopting zero trust is a necessity when your own users are trying to launch cyber attacks
-
Adobe’s new AI assistant is here, and it wants to chat to you about PDFsNews The Adobe AI Assistant has been released to a limited number of customers, and it has three trillion documents to work with globally
-
The best AI tools for business to try todayIn-depth Explore our curated list of top AI tools for business, showcasing how generative AI is transforming workflows across industries—from design to data analysis—offering accessible, powerful solutions to enhance productivity and creativity.
-
Meta to pay $725 million in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit settlementNews The settlement closes the long-running lawsuit into how Facebook's owner, Meta, handled the Cambridge Analytica scandal
-
Meta's earnings are 'cause for concern' and 2023 looks even bleakerAnalysis Calls for investor faith in metaverse tech only emphasise the worries that its investment strategy won't pay off
-
Microsoft and Meta announce integration deal between Teams and WorkplaceNews Features from both business collaboration platforms will be available to users without having to switch apps
-
Facebook is shutting down its controversial facial recognition systemNews The move will see more than a billion facial templates removed from Facebook's records amid a push for more private applications of the technology
-
'Changing name to Meat': Industry reacts to Facebook's Meta rebrandNews The rebrand attempts to provide a clearer distinction between Facebook and its umbrella company
-
Facebook's Oversight Board demands more transparencyNews Board bashed the social media giant for its preferential treatment of certain high-profile accounts
