NEW YORK: The Information Security Forum (ISF), a global, independent information security body considered the world's leading authority on cyber security and information risk management, today announced the availability of Threat Horizon 2016, the latest in a series of the organization’s Threat Horizon reports. According to the ISF, revelations in 2013 that governments and their agencies have been spying on citizens in the name of national security have seriously undermined a core tenet of operating in cyberspace – trust. “Primary analysis of data gathered for Threat Horizon 2016 resulted in an overarching theme of trust that increasingly concerns our member companies,” said Steve Durbin, Global Vice President, ISF. “Disintegration of trust will result in organizations no longer being able to take for granted that governments will look out for citizens’ best interests, that security solutions will deliver what is promised and that their people will help navigate a way through.”

Threat Horizon 2016 is part of the annual series of ISF Threat Horizon reports that provide a practical way for ISF Members to take a forward-looking view of the increasing threats in today’s always-on, interconnected world. This in turn enables a better prepared, strategic approach to managing and mitigating risk. Threat Horizon 2016 helps to inform organizations by highlighting how the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information may be compromised over a two-year time horizon. It contains recommendations and references to other ISF deliverables and resources that can help address these risks.

“Threat Horizon 2014highlighted that the cyber arms race would lead to a cold war. Rather than cold, this ‘war’ has turned hot with more governments developing offensive cyber capabilities. Threat Horizon 2015 predicted that governments and regulators will demand more of organizations in preparing for cyber threats, yet will offer little direct guidance,” continued Durbin. “In this year’s report, we have determined that government activities will further complicate the way organizations operate in cyberspace. We anticipate that the threat landscape will continue to widen and organizations must prepare to work in this new normal – now.”