Rising mobile security threats: how to stay as smart as your smartphone

Photo Source: Jose Antonio Gelado (CC BY 2.0)

I love my iPhone. It’s my security blanket and when I leave home without it, I feel like a disoriented, sad, lost puppy,  incapable of making phone calls and telling time. Truth be told, most of us rely on our phones quite a bit. And according to Forrester, “the number of smartphone and tablet owners in the world will skyrocket to one billion in the next few years.”

However, the mobile economy seems to not only be gaining the love and attention of its consumers, but also, unfortunately, of malware writers. Lookout Mobile Security has recently released its State Mobile Security 2012 report, looking at the various threats to mobile users.

Some key findings:

1.       Likelihood of contracting mobile malware in Russia is 41% compared to 5% in the US and <0.2% in Canada.

So what?: While mobile malware threats are not as great in Canada as in Russia (who doesn’t enforce regulatory practices,) there is still a non-zero probability of contracting mobile malware. Improbable does not mean impossible! Stats majors will verify this.

2.       In the United States, 4 in 10 users will click on an unsafe link on a mobile device this year

So what?: We are a click-happy generation. But just because a link appears on your phone doesn’t mean it’s safe. Be click-conscious! You will be much happier that way.

3.       Beyond monetary gain, some malware is designed to gain access to or control of information stored on a device

So what?:  Remember how upset you were in elementary school when your brother would sneak into your room and read your diary? This is way worse. It’s basically a stranger coming in to take all the private information on your phone.. not okay.

4. All software systems are bound to have flaws and security vulnerabilities.

So what?: It doesn’t matter if you’re Team Apple, Team Android, or Team Edward, no mobile system is flawless. Which means YOU need to take responsibility and make sure you’re not a victim of mobile malware.

So how do you do that?

1. Have a passcode on your iPhone so people will have a tougher time accessing your data.
2. Only download from trusted sources (reliable app stores and download sites)
3. Watch out for pirated apps.
4. Be careful of clicking on web links and where it takes you.
5. Update your phone for the latest security updates!
6. Check your phone bill for unusual activity.
7. Do your research and get informed!