From adware to madware

As annoying as mobile malware is, it is far from the only security problem plaguing smartphone users across the globe. A threat that is starting to take centre stage is 'madware' - a new variety of mobile adware, which covers aggressive mobile advertising techniques, usually unknowingly installed by users who download infected free apps.

As the popularity of mobile devices grows daily, individuals and businesses will try to take advantage of this for extra revenue, says Simon Campbell-Young, CEO of Phoenix Distribution. "Madware triggers pop-ups while users are in other applications, such as their gallery, calendar, or settings."

He says even popular apps offering ringtones and wallpapers, and games such as the wildly popular Angry Birds, are guilty of distributing madware.

Other types of madware include mobile apps that access personal information they are not entitled to. "Many of these apps access and sell personal information on the device to whomever wants to buy it, and others will force the user to listen to a commercial every time they attempt to make a phone call."

Software vendors are saying that madware is growing exponentially, and at present, there is no way to stop it, as industry standards do not yet cover this. "It is at least as worrying a problem as malware is," he says. "As it is, the vast majority of apps track their users' location and behaviour, as well as access their contacts, whether they need to do so to run the application or not. Unsurprisingly, as with other forms of malware, the Android platform is targeted the most, as cyber criminals will always follow the crowds."

Campbell-Young says there are a few ways to fight against madware. "Before downloading any apps, check their permissions. Ask yourself why an app that provides cool ringtones would need to access your contacts list, or change settings. Also thoroughly review any apps your children might want to download. Assume the worst - the app is bad, until you can prove otherwise."

In addition, he advises users to review apps before downloading them. Hundreds of positive reviews are a good sign, whereas many bad reviews indicate the opposite. "Reviews are there to assist end-users. Make use of them."

In terms of tools available to combat this threat, he says Norton has developed Norton Spot that is downloaded at no charge from the Google Play store. "Norton Spot is an ad detector for Android tablets and smartphones that checks all apps that are installed, identifying any dodgy ones, and informing the user. Norton Spot itself does not uninstall any apps, but rather provides the information necessary to make an educated choice."

At the end of the day, Campbell-Young says common sense has a role to play too: "A few funky ringtones and awesome wallpapers are not worth the hassle, or the risk of having your personal information fall into the wrong hands. The best thing anyone can do to fight madware and other types of malware is to educate themselves and be aware of the problem. Read the fine print, check the reviews, know what the app does, and more importantly, what you are allowing it to access. Only once this is done can an informed decision be reached."