Mobile threats are increasing at a rapid rate. Trojans written for mobile platforms, both Symbian and Windows Mobile, grew 422% in the first half of 2008 alone.
This is according to Denis Maslennikov, senior malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab, speaking during an interview at the company's international press tour in Moscow.
Maslennikov is responsible for monitoring the threat landscape, with a particular interest in mobile malware, attacks on social networking sites, instant messaging threats and ICQ spam.
“Data on mobile devices can be stolen or damaged by malware written specifically for smart devices. These smartphones can fall prey to Internet attacks when downloading information from the Internet. In addition, stolen devices can place the user's data in the hands of a stranger or criminal. SMS spam too can be extremely annoying and inconvenient.”
Mobile malware can also steal or delete confidential data and send mass SMS messages from infected devices. “Malicious code can also be downloaded to the PC when a connection is established.”
He says it is important for mobile users to protect themselves from malicious programs, SMS spam and mobile Internet attacks, which target mobile platforms using an anti-virus program designed for mobile devices. The Kaspersky solution offers protection for confidential data stored on mobile devices should the handset be lost or stolen, he adds.
“Kaspersky's solution for enterprise customers can be installed from one point by a single system administrator, and does not limit the number of mobile devices used in a company, and even in remotely located offices or abroad on business trips.”
Maslennikov says it can be installed in two ways: either via a PC or via SMS, by sending a link to the package. Updates are available every 24 hours, keeping protection as current as possible, he concludes.
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