Ethnic Hacktivism Surges in 2Q 2014

image
07 May 2014

ABI Research’s recently published “Cyber Threat Agents” Market Data shows a growing dynamic in politically-motivated hacktivism. While financial cybercrime becomes ever more entrenched through a consolidating demand and supply chain, the hacktivist landscape is more turbulent, vacillating constantly in tandem with geo-political turmoil. As of 2Q 2014, the hacktivist threat groups represented on average 47% of the +200 different groups recorded by ABI Research.

md-cta-156.png

“Hacktivist movements continue to provide high-profile insight into political conflicts and civil liberties debates. While the Anonymous movement has been the catalyst for localized groups to organize cyber-based retaliation mechanisms against regional targets, the latest engagements are focusing on specific ethnic and religious causes as well as the support of interests against perceived enemies of the state and culture,” says Michela Menting, cybersecurity practice director at ABI Research.

Lack of employment opportunities is the primary driver for a young generation maturing in newly-connected developing economies. Intelligence collected by ABI Research reveals that many would willingly focus on security and related IT careers were the opportunities available in their home countries. Ethnic hacktivism is an alluring tangent that is well served by strong national identities and cultural sentiment. Unfortunately, web defacement, account hijacking, server breach and data dumps in the name of hacktivism can easily provide a gateway to more serious cybercriminal operations for those without career prospects in which to apply their skill set.

ABI Research’s Market Data “Cyber Threat Agents” provides insight into over 200 different threat actors in the hacktivist, financial and political spectrum. The data set provides an overview of motivations, targets, regions, tools created and used, attack methods and specialties. The latest iteration adds over 40 new groups to the set.

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Cybersecurity Strategies and Risk Management Market Research.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm delivering actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today.

ABI Research提供开创性的研究和战略指导,帮助客户了解日新月异的技术。 自1990年以来,我们已与全球数百个领先的技术品牌,尖端公司,具有远见的政府机构以及创新的贸易团体建立了合作关系。 我们帮助客户创造真实的业务成果。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact ABI Research

Media Contacts

Americas: +1.516.624.2542
Europe: +44.(0).203.326.0142
Asia: +65 6950.5670

Related Service