Mobile security attacks expected to take place this holiday shopping season

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Since more people are adopting smartphones at faster rates, hackers are expected to target these users this holiday shopping season, according to a recent USA Today report by Byron Acohido.

"Cybercriminals are actively trying to leverage mobile devices as part of their attacks," IT professionals association adviser John Pironti told USA Today. "The holiday season provides them a perfect time to test out new attacks."

Acohido cited a recent study conducted by a security firm that revealed approximately 50 percent of mobile device users are likely to use their products to shop this holiday season, increasing from 22 percent last year.

Information security expert Harry Sverdlove told the news provider that more workers bring their own devices into the workplace, leaving users vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Infonetics Research recently released a study that revealed mobile device security threats are on the rise. According to its study, more than 3 billion smartphones and tablets are expected to be shipped between 2010 and 2015, leading to a desktop and mobile security market of more than $8 billion.