With the popularity of mobile computing growing at a rapid pace, the threat of malware hitting our phones becomes a bigger risk every single day. Predictions for the past five years have said the same thing, but with this major acceleration, and more robust smartphones, the risk is greater than ever. Is 2011 going to be the year of mobile malware?
It seems like it could be. In 2010, over 80 million smartphones (phones with an OS) were sold. That accounts for over 20% of the total number of phones sold worldwide, and there’s little doubt that these numbers will continue to get bigger and bigger. Why is Microsoft’s Windows OS targeted so often by malware writers? It’s not because Windows is insecure… it’s because it’s the most popular OS.
On the same token, with smartphones being in the hands of many, it’s obvious that malware writers are going to be inventing ways to cause some havoc, and possibly even steal details. Zeus, a popular piece of software used to steal banking information from customers, has recently seen a mobile version for the BlackBerry, and that’s not a good sign.
The most obvious security risk for mobile phones is weakness in the OS that would allow someone to tap in that’s nearby, but with the unbelievable popularity surrounding mobile apps, that looks to be one area worth watching. On a PC, it’s easy to not download a program because it might have some malware bundled with it, but on mobile phones, people tend to be a little more lenient.
Whether or not 2011 will become the year for mobile malware is yet to be seen, but either way, the best thing you can do to prevent yourself from suffering some grief is to use your smartphone as wisely as you use your desktop.
Marketplaces for mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular for platforms ranging from Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android to Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 and Symbian. Apple maintains tight control over its App Store, which has helped reduced rogue applications from being offered. But bad applications for other platforms have popped up.