If you've followed the news lately, then chances are you've seen warning about ransomware. While healthcare appears to be the current target, the Internet of Things may soon takeover the top spot.

ZdNet Reports

It's inevitable cybercriminals will target the Internet of Things (IoT) with ransomware, because connected devices provide a huge opportunity for criminals to launch attacks, a cybersecurity think tank has warned.

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) describes the rise of malware as an "epidemic", and says the IoT is at particular risk. The think tank believes it is not inconceivable that malware, and ransomware in particular, will eventually target IoT devices -- which means a huge range of potential targets.

The major risk surrounding the IoT, according to report authors -- James Scott, senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, and Drew Spaniel, ICIT visiting scholar at Carnegie Mellon University -- is that it represents "practically an infinite attack surface" for cybercriminals to take advantage of.