Smartphones Need Stronger Malware Protection, Report Finds

As more mobile subscribers make the move to smartphones, growing security threats from mobile malware are spurring increased demand for more robust applications that minimize the potential impact of malware on mobile services, according to the latest report from Unstrung Insider.

"Despite all the benefits smartphones offer, one considerable disadvantage is mobile malware designed to damage or disrupt mobile systems," notes Denise Culver, research analyst with Unstrung Insider and author of the report. "Mobile malware threats are on the rise, especially as smartphones increase in popularity, because smartphone operating systems are a primary malware target."

Security applications are aimed at minimizing the malware threat before a full-fledged attack can occur, Culver says. "Mobile malware security vendors are preparing for wide-scale attacks by hackers -- attacks that eventually will be as headline grabbing as those that hit email systems," she notes. "Their hope is that smartphone manufacturers, carriers, and enterprises -- not to mention smartphone users -- will not wait until the threats have reached that level before securing their mobile systems."

Posted to the site on 30th December 2008