Mobile Malware on the Rise

Carrying around a smartphone is a lot like carrying around a computer. And it’s beginning to come with some of the dangers and security threats that have been known to PC users for years.

Lookout Mobile Security’s recent Mobile Threat Report revealed that mobile malware has increased significantly, with Android users two-and-a-half times as likely to encounter malware today than just six months ago. Lookout estimates that between a half million and one million users were affected by mobile malware in the first half of 2011.

“We’re definitely not at the level of PC-based threats or sophistication level. We expect the sophistication level to increase as we continue on and as mobile becomes more prevalent,” said Alicia DiVittorio, Lookout's marketing director. “Considering the massive attraction to mobile by users around the world, we expect it to become an increasingly bigger target for the attackers.”

Think you’re immune from mobile threats with an iPhone? No so fast.

“Researchers are looking at android more closely, and we see there is malware targeting it at this stage,” DiVittorio said. “The researchers have not found as much malware targeting iOS, but no platform is immune to any security risks. They all have the same inherent vulnerabilities.

The risks of mobile malware and spyware aren’t as high for Apple devices thanks to security restrictions from Apple’s App Store, according to the Mobile Threat Report. This assumes that your device isn’t “jailbroken,” which occurs is when a user alters the phone’s operating system to gain full access (or root access) to the operating system and allow applications not officially vetted by Apple.

All smartphone users (Android or iPhone) can face Web-based threats (phishing scams, drive-by downloads, browser exploits), network threats and physical threats (lost or stolen devices).

There are many tools available to help secure mobile devices. Lookout is one of numerous companies that offers a downloadable mobile security app that scans every app you download to make sure it doesn’t contain malware or spyware. The company also has a premium product that scans every clicked link to make sure it is safe. There is also a program that can help you track down a lost or stolen phone using Google Maps, remotely lock a phone or in the most extreme cases, remotely wipe a phone clean of all data to make sure no one has access to your personal information.

Hackers are finding more and more ways to get into your mobile device, which can contain sensitive data such as addresses, photos and financial information. Still, DiVittorio doesn’t think the fear of intrusion should stop people from using their smartphones to the maximum capability.

“Our goal is to inspire confidence in phones. We want people to use their phones for everything,” she said. “It’s just that everyone needs to take a few precautions to keep all that information safe on their phones.”

About the Author

Cindy Horbrook is content development editor for Security Products magazine.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3