Cyber criminals have long centered on running their scams on PC users. And they’ve been exceedingly successful in stealing sensitive information and stealing funds from countless computer users. Now these cyber criminals are unleashing their malware attacks on smart phones, tapping into another huge potential market of gullible users. This will come as being a surprise to nobody. Smart phones are booming in popularity. And many users treat their smart phones as miniature computers. They surf the net, send e-mail messages and bank online using their smart phones. Fortunately, you can easily take steps to prevent mobile malware. It mostly requires that you employ good sense when navigating the web through your smart phone.
Scary Numbers
It’s challenging finding data on the frequency of smart phone cyber attacks. But in a recent column, CNN Money writer David Goldman does an excellent job of scaring his readers. For example, refers to a recent mobile malware hack on Verizon that allowed cyber criminals to steal debit-card numbers. That attack led to a loss of $20 million. That’s one attack. Goldman cites numbers from Lookout Security that found that four in 10 smartphone users will click or swipe on an unsafe Web link within the next year. He also reported that anti-virus giant McAfee reported that mobile malware attacks have jumped by a factor of six. In terms of protection, smartphone users are lax. According to security organization SANS, just one fifth of smartphones are protected by anti-virus software.
The Good News
Smart phone users, though, shouldn’t panic. Malware attacks against smartphones are still relatively rare. And that’s especially so when as compared to the quantity of threats levied against PCs. For instance, Goldman writes that McAfee as of mid-2012 had identified about 13,000 types of mobile malware. That’s significant. But the company also had detected upwards of 90 million forms of malware aimed instead at PCs. That’s truly a staggering number. Why have cyber criminals been so aimed at PCs? They’ve been successful. They don’t have an serious incentive to take their malware to smartphones since they’re already swindling so much money from PC users. But as Goldman writes, that will inevitably change.
Protect Yourself
You can safeguard your phone from mobile malware attacks. You can start by installing anti-virus software from reputable companies. Be cautious, though–cyber criminals could create bogus anti-virus software that won’t protect your phone but rather sends these criminals your personal information. Also, make sure to research any app before you download it. You need to be sure that it is offered by a reputable company. Finally, be equally as wary of phishing schemes as you are while sitting in front of your laptop. Never provide your Social Security Number, bank account numbers or other information in an e-mail. Your bank will never request such numbers inside an e-mail.