Smartphone malware expected to be greater problem in future

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

With the proliferation of mobile devices, especially smartphones, cyber criminals have yet to target users on a full-out scale. Despite the lack of attacks against mobile owners, a recent PC World report revealed smartphone malware is expected to be more prevalent in the future.

Earlier this year, the Application Marketplace for the popular Android operating system was attacked with an infected app that affected hundreds of thousands of users. Another incident, dubbed DroidDream, downloaded malicious software to thousands of owners, revealing their location and phone numbers to a remote server, the report stated.

To combat the potential issues mobile users may find themselves in, there are several ways to protect against smartphone malware. According to PC World, mobile users should avoid downloading any applications they are not familiar with and research before installing them.

"But an alarm clock app, say, probably shouldn't need to access your contacts," said PC World's Armando Rodriguez. "If something in the permissions screen looks fishy, just don't download the app."

According to a recent study by Canalys, the global smartphone market grew 73 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2011, with nearly 108 million units shipped. Android led all other operating systems in 35 of the 56 countries and captured 48 percent of the market.