Terrorism attacks rise 44 per cent in a year
A sobering report is a stark reminder to individuals and businesses of the need for vigilance over the threat of terrorism. Although terrorist attacks are still a relatively low risk, the Global Terrorism Report from the London-based Institute for Economics and Peace reveals a spike in the number of attacks in 2013. There were almost 10,000 attacks last year; a 44 per cent rise from 2012. Islamic State, Boko Haram, al-Qaida and the Taliban were behind most of the attacks and were responsible for 66 per cent of fatalities. The number of deaths was also up sharply last year, rising 61 per cent to almost 18,000. Iraq was the country most affected by attacks followed by Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Cyber expert warns attacks could result in death
A cyber expert is warning that safeguards are lagging behind technology and that means increased risk as we move further into the ‘internet of things’. Paul Ferguson is specifically highlighting the flaws in so-called ‘smart home’ technology but the risk to businesses from a lack of technology safeguards has increased vastly in recent years. Ferguson says that it’s only a matter of time before a hacker does something that results in a death. In a scenario similar to one played out in TV show Homeland, he warns that medical records or even life-saving devices could be hacked and disabled. Dr Ron Passman from a Chicago medical center told CBS that in theory these things could happen but that the good in using technology outweighs the risk.
Russia poses biggest risk to world markets
A new poll by Bloomberg shows that investors consider Russia to be the biggest risk to the security of world financial markets. Fifty-two per cent of respondents cite the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the number one risk, with Islamic State at 26 per cent and Ebola at 5 per cent. Russia is a risk both due to its pursuit of power and also with its economy under pressure from falling oil prices.
