The future of IT will dramatically shift by 2030 as cloud computing, augmented reality, quantum computing, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology evolve into the next generation of information technology.
This is according to Magnus Kalkuhl, director of Kaspersky Lab's European Global Research and Analysis Team.
Kalkuhl's article, "IT Security in 2030", depicts a technology-driven future fuelled by innovation and opportunity. His prediction is of a future that is completely separate from today's device- and computer-centric digital world.
However, as the evolutionary development of future technologies accelerates, there is the risk of a technology-dependent dystopia developing. This is a world where issues regarding citizens' privacy, individuality and overall security will be called into question, says Kalkuhl.
Kalkuhl believes new technologies will radically change the digital universe, making most of today's current devices and their industries obsolete.
Furthermore, as a result of artificial intelligence development, people's lives and wellbeing will become heavily dependent on technology, as opposed to common sense.
Sophisticated computer systems in command will become the greatest benefit or the greatest threat, depending on people's attitudes towards artificial intelligence and how well these systems are implemented, adds Kalkuhl.
In his article, Kalkuhl says attackers will concentrate "more on servers than on devices", with rootkits, Trojans and phishing attacks continuing to pose serious problems.
"This is because more vulnerabilities appear in complex environments and it is reasonable to assume that the operating systems of tablets and smartphones will be 'purged' within the next few years and that the bulk of the coding will be shifted into the cloud - and thus onto the server side."
He adds that it is not just the financial implications of the computer viruses of the future that are concerning.
"The detection of the sabotage worm known as Stuxnet, in 2010, confirmed suspicions that malware could also have a political context.
"The continuous militarisation of cyberspace will produce legions of professional malware authors as the creation of Trojans and the carrying out of Web attacks are legitimised and even supported by some states.
"There is no doubt that our dependence on computer technology will continue to grow. The bright side is that new, revolutionary inventions will make our lives better," says Kalkuhl.
"Unfortunately, modern cyber threats will evolve as well, starting from Trojans to cyber weapons. Every new technology will present even more security challenges."
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