[![Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PANW_Parent.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) [![Unit42 Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/unit42-logo-white.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) Menu * [Tools](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tools/) * [ATOMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/) * [Security Consulting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [About Us](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/about-unit-42/) * [**Under Attack?**](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/ "Malware") [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) # \#PANWchat Wrap-Up: The 2016 Threat Landscape ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 3 min read * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Anna Lough](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/anna-lough/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:December 21, 2015 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [#PANWchat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/panwchat/) * 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Twitter chat with several of our Unit 42 experts, including Ryan Olson ([@ireo](https://twitter.com/ireo)), Jen Miller Osborn ([@jadefh](https://twitter.com/jadefh)), Robert Falcone ([@r0bf4lc](https://twitter.com/r0bf4lc)), and Bryan Lee ([@obiwanblee](https://twitter.com/obiwanblee)). The chat, "Sure Things and Long Shots, A Look at the 2016 Threat Landscape," tackled questions from the biggest shifts in the threat landscape to the most effective measures to protect against those threats, and the best ways people can protect themselves in 2016. The [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=panwchat) also served as the official launch of the new [@Unit42\_Intel](https://twitter.com/unit42_intel) Twitter handle, which moderated yesterday's chat. Make sure to follow [@Unit42\_Intel](https://twitter.com/unit42_intel) for the latest from our Unit 42 team. Take a look at some of the highlights from the chat below or catch up on the entire conversation through the [#PANWchat hashtag](https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23panwchat&src=typd). And be sure to check out our ongoing [series of predictions for 2016](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/predictions/)! ### How do you see threat landscape continuing to evolve in 2016? > A2 Ransomware is specializing. Grandma may pay $500 for lost photos, companies will pay more for lost IP, know your victim. [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Ryan Olson (@ireo) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/ireo/status/677549960850620416) > A2 You'll see more APT groups start putting the "A" in APT as the media coverage increases and people are more security aware [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Jen Miller Osborn (@jadefh) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/jadefh/status/677550654060040192) > A2 Modular Trojans + obfuscation/packing = le sigh...increased LOE for analysis and decreased threat attribution [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Robert Falc (@r0bf4lc) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/r0bf4lc/status/677551313664811008) ### What have been the most effective measures to protect against those threats? > A3 Patching remains one of the most basic, yet best, ways to avoid a compromise [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Jen Miller Osborn (@jadefh) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/jadefh/status/677553343644897284) > A3 Backup. Get Owned. Wipe. Repent. [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Robert Falc (@r0bf4lc) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/r0bf4lc/status/677554087836188672) > A3 Implementation of simple policies such as restricting exe downloads macro docs can be highly effective [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Bryan (@obiwanblee) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/obiwanblee/status/677552795306848256) > A3 Ransomware is nature's way of asking "How's that backup program coming along?" [https://t.co/usAT4ZLvRh](https://t.co/usAT4ZLvRh) [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Ryan Olson (@ireo) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/ireo/status/677552060712140800) ### What is your most surprising "long shot" prediction for 2016? Why? > A5 Long Shot: US Presidential candidate is breached, internal docs exposed, campaign crumbles. It could happen. [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Ryan Olson (@ireo) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/ireo/status/677555787829415936) > A5 Long Shot: A major financial institution experiences a massively destructive attack like the Sony Pictures attack [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Bryan (@obiwanblee) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/obiwanblee/status/677556420447965184) > A5 Pretty dark, but someone dies from a IOT medical device being hacked [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Jen Miller Osborn (@jadefh) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/jadefh/status/677556594545057792) ### How can the average consumer protect themselves against the threats of 2016? > A8 Psst... don't open attachments or click links from unk emails. Install anti-JS apps to avoid drive-by exploitation [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Robert Falc (@r0bf4lc) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/r0bf4lc/status/677561419689295872) > A8 Patch all the things! [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/OkjCnUSnRu](https://t.co/OkjCnUSnRu) > > \--- Bryan (@obiwanblee) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/obiwanblee/status/677561633518948352) > A8 Your passwords are probably your biggest weakness. New Years Resolution: Get a password manager! [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Ryan Olson (@ireo) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/ireo/status/677562010284888064) > A8 Pay attention to the security, or lack of, anything touching the Internet. Be an informed consumer. Also, password managers [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Jen Miller Osborn (@jadefh) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/jadefh/status/677562426003357696) ### How will the practice of threat research evolve in 2016? > A9 I hope for more data sharing and fewer fluff blogs. Descriptions of tactics are great, but actionable data is king. [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Ryan Olson (@ireo) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/ireo/status/677562925528186880) > A9 Cross-vendor intel exposes prev unk overlaps of threats.. More intel dissemination = More linkages = More threat coverage [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash) > > \--- Robert Falc (@r0bf4lc) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/r0bf4lc/status/677563645681934336) > A9 Threat research is key for the security part of "cybersecurity". More and better sharing is critical - no more IOC hoarding! [#PANWchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PANWchat?src=hash) > > \--- Jen Miller Osborn (@jadefh) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/jadefh/status/677563802062204928) > [@ireo](https://twitter.com/ireo) Completely agree, adversaries share attack data, why shouldn't we? [#panwchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/panwchat?src=hash)[pic.twitter.com/sFQn6YQYdj](https://t.co/sFQn6YQYdj) > > \--- Bryan (@obiwanblee) [December 17, 2015](https://twitter.com/obiwanblee/status/677563453679075328) Thank you to everyone who participated in and followed the #PANWchat. We look forward to doing more of these chats in the future. In the meantime, make sure to follow [@Unit42\_Intel](https://twitter.com/unit42_intel) for the latest research reports and news from Unit 42, the Palo Alto Networks threat intelligence team. Back to top ### Tags * [#PANWchat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/panwchat/ "#PANWchat") * [@Unit42\_Intel](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/unit42_intel/ "@Unit42_Intel") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Attack on French Diplomat Linked to Operation Lotus Blossom](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/attack-on-french-diplomat-linked-to-operation-lotus-blossom/ "Attack on French Diplomat Linked to Operation Lotus Blossom") ### Related Articles ## Related Malware Resources ![Pictorial representation of a magnifying glass illuminating a glowing orange circular digital circuit interface on a dark, high-tech background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Myth-Busting_Overview_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Insights-icon-white.svg)Insights](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/insights/) September 16, 2026 [#### Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/) * [MacOS](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/macos/ "macOS") * [Threat intelligence](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/threat-intelligence/ "threat intelligence") * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/unit-42/ "Unit 42") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/ "Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity") ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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