Smart phone users beware – computer virus writers are setting their sights on you.
A report, released by Symantec today, shows data on Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android smart phones are at risk as the writers of malicious software turn their attention to smartphones.
Symantec spokesman Peter Sparkes told the Waikato Times applications smartphone users download through online stores could include malicious software and had security implications for the smartphone and any work or home computer network it was plugged into.
”They are becoming more sophisticated,” Mr Sparkes said.
Users are often wary of email scams, but don’t think twice about downloading an application
A report, released by Symantec today, shows data on Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android smart phones are at risk as the writers of malicious software turn their attention to smartphones.
Symantec spokesman Peter Sparkes told the Waikato Times applications smartphone users download through online stores could include malicious software and had security implications for the smartphone and any work or home computer network it was plugged into.
”They are becoming more sophisticated,” Mr Sparkes said.
Users are often wary of email scams, but don’t think twice about downloading an application
”A gentleman from Nigeria on the phone is probably not going to put $10,000 into your bank account,” Mr Sparkes said.
The report found smart phones were more secure than traditional computers, but both iPhones and Android phones were still vulnerable.
Apple’s security model offered more protection against traditional malware, due to rigorous application certification process but Google had opted for a less rigorous certification model allowing any software developer to release applications without inspection.
Synchronising phones with third-party services could potentially expose sensitive data on work and home computers.
Carey Nachenberg, Symantec Chief Architect, said mobile devices were a mixed bag when it came to security.
”While more secure than traditional PCs, these platforms are still vulnerable to many traditional attacks.”
“Symantec” is developing a smart phone security package called Norton Mobile Security which can be downloaded, for free, from its website. Visit www.us.norton.com/mobile-security/ for the beta version.
The report found smart phones were more secure than traditional computers, but both iPhones and Android phones were still vulnerable.
Apple’s security model offered more protection against traditional malware, due to rigorous application certification process but Google had opted for a less rigorous certification model allowing any software developer to release applications without inspection.
Synchronising phones with third-party services could potentially expose sensitive data on work and home computers.
Carey Nachenberg, Symantec Chief Architect, said mobile devices were a mixed bag when it came to security.
”While more secure than traditional PCs, these platforms are still vulnerable to many traditional attacks.”
“Symantec” is developing a smart phone security package called Norton Mobile Security which can be downloaded, for free, from its website. Visit www.us.norton.com/mobile-security/ for the beta version.
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