Cyber Criminals Target SmartPhones

Cyber criminals who are experts at hijacking computers with viruses and malware are looking elsewhere for their next efforts.  They see major potential with your smartphone.

Computer users have learned how to protect their devices with the latest anti-virus software and using strong passwords.  However, not everyone is as vigilant with their smartphones even though they are logging into the internet more often.

Warning from FBI

The FBI has issued a notice for Android users that mobile phones were being targeted by fraudulent work-at-home offers.  A link on the website would attempt to download Loozfon, a scam website that steals data that the user has in their address book.

FinFisher is another threat to cell phone users.  Hijackers can use it to take over a phone and listen to conversations and watch what users type into the phone.  They can see what is displayed on the screen with this program.

If you think that it can’t happen to you, consider this.  According to a security firm, over 51,000 different threats targeted Android devices but were discovered.  And this was just in the third quarter of the year, which means that more users are vulnerable than ever before.

Be Careful When Shopping

When you are looking for new apps, be careful which ones you select.  Scammers have been sneaking in harmful apps into Google’s marketplace.  Since then, Google has created a feature that has cut the problem by 40%, but has not completely removed the issue.

AVG has already created a mobile anti-virus product to help protect users.  Avast!, Lookout, and Sophos also provide apps for mobile phones – and they are all free.

What are hackers looking for?  They are hoping to steal your identity and sell it off or find other ways to make money from your information.

Even though you should have anti-virus protection on your mobile phone, don’t get too comfortable with that.  Keep on guard with what sites you visit and what apps you choose to download.

[Image via norebbo]