Black Hat Europe Review Board Members Predict an Increase in Attacks on Hardware, ARM-Based Devices and Cyber-Physical Systems in 2020

Members of the Black Hat Review Board share predictions on the technology, systems and attacks expected to dominate the information security industry in 2020 and highlight Black Hat Europe Briefings related to these predictions. Attacks on hardware, ARM-based devices and cyber-physical systems are predicted to have a huge influence in 2020. Learn more below:


Widespread Hardware Attacks

Hardware-based attacks were previously considered incredibly niche, but according to Daniel Cuthbert, Global Head of Security Research for Banco Santander, hardware attacks will become more commonplace in 2020. With the rise of the maker community and access to cheap hardware and designs, the effectiveness of hardware-based attack methods to gain entry or subvert has improved. Consumers seemingly trust that their physical devices don't include malicious components, but this trust may become more of an issue in the future.

Related Black Hat Europe 2019 Briefings:


Securing and Exploiting ARM-Based Devices

IoT exploitation has become increasingly relevant as the market share of ARM-based devices grows bigger and replaces other processors in traditional computing such as desktops, laptops and server-class systems. According to Maria Markstedter, independent security researcher and trainer, ARM-based devices may be given a closer look in 2020.

"With the new releases of Windows on ARM, and the rumors that Apple is replacing Intel with ARM processors, I expect an upsurge in the number of people looking both at securing and exploiting ARM-based devices," said Markstedter.

Related Black Hat Europe 2019 Briefings:


Real-World Instances of Cyber-Physical System Hacks

According to Stefano Zanero, Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano, there may be an increase in cyber-physical system hacks in the future:

Zanero said, "Information security experts have known for a long time that cyber-physical systems, particularly in the industrial and automotive world, but also in medical devices, have been designed for a different environment and threat model. We are now close to the moment where we will be out of time to redesign those systems so that they are resilient to the goals of modern attackers."

Related Black Hat Europe 2019 Briefings:

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About the Black Hat Review Board

The Black Hat Europe Review Board is comprised of the industry's most credible and distinguished security professionals and thought leaders throughout various areas of the information security community. The Review Board advises Black Hat on its strategic direction, reviewing and programming conference content and providing unparalleled insight into the research community.

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About Black Hat Europe

Black Hat Europe 2019 will be held at the ExCel London, December 2-5, 2019. InfoSec professionals from around the world will gather for a range of highly-technical, hands-on Trainings and ground-breaking and thought-provoking Briefings. This 4-day event offers 2-day and 4-day Training courses (December 2-3 and December 2-5) and Briefings, Arsenal, the Business Hall, and more (December 4-5).

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