Despite a relatively low number of reported mobile malware incidents, McAfee Labs warns there is significant growth in the mobile malware threat landscape.
The company argues that cyber criminals have shifted their focus to smartphones and tablets, because unit sales of these devices have surpassed those of desktop and laptop PCs. It adds that maliciously modified apps are becoming a more popular vector for infecting devices.
The security giant says the first step to avoiding malicious applications is being aware that mobile malware exists. “Research apps and their publishers thoroughly and check the ratings,” the company advises. It adds that it is better to install apps that are broadly used in the market or are recommended by friends and colleagues.
The company also suggests that mobile device users purchase their apps from reputable app store markets. “One way for Android users to avoid installation of non-market applications is to de-select the 'Unknown sources' option in the Applications Settings menu on their device,“ McAfee suggests.
The company points out that when users install apps, a list of permissions appears for services that are granted access to the hardware and software components on their device. “If something in the permissions screen doesn't look right, don't install that app,” the company warns. It explains that a game or an alarm app should not need access to the user's contacts, for example.
The company also suggests that users install anti-virus software on their devices. It says it is advisable to install an anti-virus program on new devices, before other apps are added.
Maliciously modified apps
According to Gartner, an estimated 17.7 billion mobile apps will be downloaded in 2011, marking a 115% increase from 2010. Vincent Weafer, senior VP at McAfee Labs, says maliciously modified apps are also becoming more prevalent.
Weafer says McAfee has seen about 200 malicious apps, compared to tens of thousands of good apps. However, he points out that, as mobile devices are becoming a targeted platform for malware, it is becoming more common for cyber criminals to attempt to corrupt a legitimate app. “The best advice for users is to be careful; protect the mobile device and the mobile apps that reside on the device,” he says.
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