Mobile Security Threats on the Rise

Bangalore: Smartphones have gobbled up other devices to become the most important device in our life. Its capability is increasing day by day ranging from social networking to maps and music. However, have we ever thought whether these devices are safe and free from malware?  A recent report reveals that mobile devices have become a favorite for cyber criminals.  

Cyber crime had cost consumers $110 billion worldwide and $21 billion in the US as claimed by the Cybercrime Report from Symantec. The same report also claims that mobile threats have doubled during 2010 to 2011.

Pew Research in one of its study also reveals that almost one-third of mobile users have reported their phone as either lost or stolen. 12% of the users felt that their privacy was invaded.  According to the report, “Smartphone owners are also twice as likely as other cell owners to have experienced someone accessing their phone in a way that made them feel like their privacy had been invaded. Owners of smartphones and more basic phones are equally likely to say their phone has been lost or stolen.”

 “The wealth of intimate details stored on smartphones makes them akin to the personal diaries of the past—the information they contain is hard to replace if lost, and potentially embarrassing in the wrong hands,” Aaron Smith, a research associate with the project and report co-author.

Here are some facts reported by Alan Zeichick on sdtimes.com whether companies are developing and testing applications for mobile devices.

No, not developing/testing for mobile application development: 42.1%
Yes, mobile software for iPhone/iPad: 36.6%
Yes, mobile software for Android devices: 33.2%
Yes, mobile software in HTML5: 30.2%
Yes, mobile software for Windows Phone: 22.8%
Yes, mobile software for BlackBerry devices: 16.3%
Don’t know: 5.4%
Yes, software for other devices: 3.5%