Mobile Viruses on the Increase
Here's an interesting fact: when asked about their mobile habits, over 80% of smartphone users stated they not only used their phones on a daily basis but interacted with them multiple times a day. Even more shocking (or maybe not) was the fact many users admitted they'd much rather give up guilty pleasures such as beer and chocolate than go without their beloved mobile devices.
There's no denying it, we are a society that has fallen in love with our mobile media. But even in the loveliest of relationships, there are things to look out for that can potentially harm us, in this case, hack attacks.
Dangerous Digits
By now we've all heard the warnings about clicking on suspicious links while surfing the web. But did you know your smartphone can be hacked into just by calling it? That's right, all a "bad guy" needs is your phone number to steal your personal data, even steal the data of your contact list. How many times have you given your mobile number out? It most likely is listed on your business cards and perhaps even your business email signature.
By sending a simple SMS message to a mobile device, a hacker is able to run an application that retrieves your private data such as your phone's INSI number and unique ID. In an even scarier scenario, the hacker can change your control setting without your knowledge, completely disabling your phone's encryption capabilities.
Curiosity Kills Security
If you're not in the mood to hear even more disturbing news then skip to the next headline. Recently, the security firm Symantec did a study on how safe the average user's smartphone really is.
They took 50 smartphones that were equipped with GPS tracking devices and left them in public places like the mall and transit stations, in an effort to see how the finders reacted. In an effort to really bait people, each phone was loaded with apps, photos and personal data.
To cut to the disturbing chase, only about half of the people who found the "lost" phones tried to return them, the other half tried to access photos, social networking accounts, email and password files. Were all of these people hackers? Nope, just regular people who happen to be far too curious for their own good. Most human beings, if tempted to snoop into other people's business, be it digital business or otherwise, will take the bait every time - it's just in our nature.
The point here is that, on average, only 38% of smartphone users ever bother to set up their phone's surest line of defense: password-protecting their phone's home screen. This one simple act can save your private data from prying, curious eyes should your smartphone ever be lost.
Beware of Mobile Viruses
A mobile Trojan is a type of virus where a program appears to be on the up-and-up, but actually contains malicious software that can attack your phone's security. They can be installed through blue tooth or multimedia messages, or downloaded as seemingly-harmless apps.
Once installed, these mobile Trojans can affect your phone in a couple of ways. The first way is more annoying and inconvenient and can lead to your battery constantly being drained and automatically sending premium rate messages, which will hurt your wallet more than your phone.
The second, more malicious attack can disable programs, delete your databases, allow personal and private information to be collected and even disable your phone itself.
Protect Your Phone and Personal Information
There are two key ways in which you can protect your smartphone. The first is to be very selective and cautious about the apps you download. Do not download apps that are brand-spanking-new, wait until an app has had a chance to be tested and reviewed by others first. And make sure to research any apps that claim to be anti-virus as many of these are actually malicious software in sheep's clothing.
An example of this is the recent "zombie virus" that many people downloaded believing it was an anti-virus app. The virus starts by sending the phone's information to the hackers, who take it and launch an assault on the user's contact lists. Non-stop text messages are sent and thousands of dollars of texting fees are racked up.
The second thing you should always do is to password-protect your phone. This one simple thing can save your personal data should you ever lose your phone or should it ever be stolen, and yet many users don't take the time to do it. You wouldn't leave your house unlocked, so why leave your smartphone unlocked?
Our phones are no longer just phones, but digital databases of our entire lives. Although mobile technology makes our lives easier and more efficient in many ways, it also makes us more vulnerable. It is every smartphone user's responsibility to make sure they take necessary actions to protect their mobile devices from those with malicious intent.
Image: Slavoljub Pantelic /Shutterstock