The report also predicted that hackers will endeavor to shield their nefarious activities with increasing success as they improve their cyber-espionage techniques. The researchers also foresee aggressive efforts at deciphering network vulnerabilities and infiltrating operating systems. 

In addition, the report predicted ominous disturbances of point-of-sale systems. As mobile payment offerings, such as Apple Pay, gain popularity with consumers the vulnerabilities of the emerging technology will likely translate into crushing cyber-infiltrations. 

Despite the diligent efforts by retailers to introduce more chip-and-pin cards and card readers, the McAfee Labs report also foresees an uptick in the breaches of POS systems. That’s due to the vast number of POS systems that will require upgrading to accommodate new technologies utilized by retailers. That changeover translates into massive system vulnerability, according to the report.

Not only will POS systems be more vulnerable, near field communications (NFC) digital payment technology present another opportunity for cyber-hackers. That is, says the report, unless user education can successfully educate users about taking control of the NFC features on their mobile devices. 

A full copy of the McAfee Labs Threat Report: November 2014, which also includes 2015 threat predictions can be found at http://mcafe.ee/ojbsz.

---

Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio attorney and writer.