Sep 12 2011

Mobile Malware

Category: Malware,Smart PhoneDISC @ 8:07 pm

Lookout Mobile Security

By Mandira Srivastava

Do you think it is safe to access sensitive data on mobile phone? Do you know that malware can steal valuable information from your phone? As smartphone sales are growing, the development of mobile malware, viruses that penetrate the security system of mobile devices, also increases.

Mobile malware has been around for many years, it has been a problem for computers for a long time and now because of the evolution of the smart phone it has started to hit mobile handsets. Because the smart phones are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and their operating systems are becoming more similar to a computer, it is now possible for them to be infected with malware and it is important for all business owners to be aware of this.

Just like computer malware, mobile malware is installed on your smartphone and will attempt to steal information and data stored on your phone. The information that can be stolen includes documents, passwords, email login details and even credit card details just like on a PC. Mobile malware has increased rapidly during the last year and there is more and more stealth malware appearing. Stealth malware is when the malware is running in the background on the phone without the user being aware of it.

With wireless payment systems and mobile shopping apps becoming more popular it is also possible that the malware will be able to intercept credit card details. Also, text messaging that is sometimes used to send banking codes could be used by the criminals to get sensitive information. If you are considering using a mobile payment system for your business, make sure it is tested and secure.

Malware has been found on all of the current phones and operating systems, including the iPhone and the Android phones.

One of the main ways that the malware can access your phone is through the Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth. Because the smartphone can easily be connected to wireless networks this can make it easier to download the malware. You can avoid this happening to your phone by only using secure and trusted Wi-Fi networks and by only accepting Bluetooth connections from people whom you know and keeping the Bluetooth switched off when you aren’t using it.

Email has always been a popular target for the hackers and with text messaging being so popular, they have also used this to spread the malware as well as phishing scams to try to steal your identity. It is a good idea to apply the same precautions you use before opening a strange email before opening a suspicious text.

Mobile security is becoming more and more important especially for businesses and it is a good idea to implement some security measures in order to avoid the malware spreading. You can, for example, always use a password for your phone so no one else can use it if it is stolen and only download apps from official sites and not third parties.

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