From mobile malware to social networking attacks, threats to your security and privacy will only grow in the coming year
Computer security involves more than installing an antivirus utility on your PC. Malicious hackers are on a mission to steal money and wreak havoc, and they’ll do it by any means possible. The growing number of mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, and the popularity of social networks give them new avenues in which to expand their cybercrime.
Here’s a look at the security issues various technologies will face in the coming year.
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Smartphones and tablets
The amount of malware spreading on phones and tablets continued to surge this year, rising 22 percent over 2010 in the first half of 2011, according to a McAfee study (PDF). Android came under fire — surpassing Symbian and Java ME as the most attacked mobile operating system, according to the study — with a 76 percent jump in malware from the first quarter of 2011 to the second. Android became the target due to its open nature and its large market share (43 percent in the third quarter of 2011, according to Nielsen).
Mobile infections will continue to rise in 2012 — especially on Android products — as the population of devices increases further. Mobile malware often spreads via app stores, posing as a new app or as a look-alike of a well-known app. Third-party app directories usually contain more malware than official app stores do, so stick with the latter. Even then, examine user reviews and do research before you download, especially in the case of new apps. Also, install an antivirus app like Lookout Mobile Security for Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows Mobile, or AVG Mobilation for Android and Windows Phone 7.
As for other mobile threats, pay attention to Wi-Fi security when using wireless hotspots at restaurants, airports, hotels, and other public places. Tools like the Firefox add-on Firesheep make it easy for people to eavesdrop on your activity while you’re using Wi-Fi. The tools enable any attacker — or even just a curious Joe — on the same hotspot to capture your logins to Facebook, Twitter, and other sites that don’t automatically use SSL encryption.
To deter eavesdroppers, instead of using apps to access accounts on mobile devices, go to them directly through your Web browser (at least when you’re using a public hotspot). Make sure the site URL begins with https instead of http. If it doesn’t, try adding the s. Even better, check your account settings to see if you can force SSL/HTTPS encryption by default, a feature that is now available for Facebook and Twitter.
Article source: http://akamai.infoworld.com/d/security/2012-in-security-rising-danger-176802?source=rss_security
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