Report: Malware Hits 16 Million Mobile Devices in 2014, Up 25pct

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Report: Malware Hits 16 Million Mobile Devices in 2014, Up 25pct

engine

3:57 pm on Feb 16, 2015 (gmt 0)

It is no surprise to me that Android is under attack, being such a well-distributed OS.

French telecommunications equipment company Alcatel-Lucent has published a report compiled by its Motive Security Labs division, which found that malware infections in mobile devices increased by 25 percent in 2014, compared to a 20 percent increase in 2013. Report: Malware Hits 16 Million Mobile Devices in 2014, Up 25pct [zdnet.com]

This is just the same attitude that affects many desktop machines: Users not taking basic precautions.

According to Alcatel-Lucent, the growth in malware infections has been aided by mobile device owners not taking "proper" device security precautions. A recent Motive Security Labs survey found that 65 percent of the security platform subscribers expected their service provider to protect both their mobile and home devices.

bill

2:43 am on Feb 17, 2015 (gmt 0)

How many people even know that there are malware/AV scanner apps available? I don't think the industry has really promoted the use of such apps to the average consumer in the same way most PC users have been taught.

engine

9:12 am on Feb 17, 2015 (gmt 0)

You're right, it's not promoted in the same way. It'll become more important as the malware strikes. Unfortunately, with a mobile device, such a smartphone, there's so much more personal and private information stored. I can see smartphones becoming the identity thief's favourite device to attack.