Mobile threats here to stay

By Ilva Pieterse for Trellix
Johannesburg, 25 Sep 2007

An increase in smartphone adoption is synonymous with an increase in viruses, because hackers are targeting smartphones specifically, according to Chris van Niekerk, regional director for Africa at McAfee.

This has been exacerbated by the marked increase in sales of business-type phones, complete with Internet connection, as prices for these phones continue to drop, Van Niekerk explains.

Carrying a smart mobile phone is like having a powerful computer in your pocket, Van Niekerk says, but with power and convenience comes a cost: "These smartphones face security threats, just as our desktop and laptop computers do."

During its research of Microsoft's Windows Mobile, a recent McAfee Avert Labs research paper exposed threats, including unintended exposure of device contents.

These included text messages, e-mail, documents, call records and contact lists. An attacker could monitor calls or even use a Windows Mobile-based phone as a remote surveillance device, including making phone calls, and taking pictures and video.

"Right now, we're in the early stages of what is likely to become a longstanding trend. We can't let our guard down," says Zhu Cheng, a research scientist with Avert Labs and author of the white paper. "It is essential to exercise caution when using your smartphone."

Van Niekerk stresses that because of the nature of smartphones, mobile users have to exercise the same caution as a PC user.

"Be wary of the sites visited and make sure you have anti-virus protection on your handheld," he says.

The "Mobile Malware: Threats and Prevention" white paper is available at http://www.mcafee.com/us/threat_center/white_paper.http.