Since I can remember computer systems have always been valuable to hacking and getting viruses. It’s basically down to the operating systems lack of security and leaving it easy for hackers and script kiddies to find these holes and installed software. Sometimes they want to make your computer useless and not work to show everybody what they can do or try and gain some financial benefit, especially as we’ve seen with lots of malware software over the past few years.
So it really was only a matter of time before it moved into the mobile market. It’s been around a while of course but not many people would actually know this. It comes as no real surprise that viruses and treats for mobile devices are here and are designed to install harmful code and software on your phone/tablet device.
What types of Viruses?
Just like your PC/Laptop viruses on mobile can arrive in a number of different ways. The easy target for mobile is of course email and yes clicking on the doggy attachment can cause you as many problem for a handheld device just like you’re PC/laptop. The last thing you want is malware or some other type of virus on your mobile. You need to make sure not to click on attachments in email where you’ve no idea where they came from. Doggy files like games attached to email are a no-no because they can and do infect mobile phones.
Bluetooth
Another way that not many of us realise is Bluetooth, yes this simple two-way communication tool can be a tool for hackers to get access. I know I use this to print pictures, transfer files and a number of other things just like everybody else I guess. But, it’s an open protocol and it can be used to trick a use to download something (a virus).
It’s particularly vulnerable against malformed input, it’s been known to cause a Bluetooth device to slow down and even show unusual behaviour and even completely crash. Lots of car-kits and even healthcare equipment use Bluetooth technology.
Software
As with computers many of the expert antivirus software companies are now looking at mobile. It’s without question one of the biggest growth areas in technology at present and having software to help prevent infection or compromise is essential.
Installing software will help in a number of way, it can monitor and alert you if there are any potential changes software or operating system. It can do things like memory scans to monitor memory and see if anything is different. Some software will also allow you to block unwanted calls for example. You will find that different software like Norton will also allow you to backup your mobile into the cloud so your numbers/contacts etc. are safe. This is also a great idea if you misplace you’re mobile device as a backup of everything.
What Should You Avoid
In order to keep 100% there are a few things you should avoid, you should keep well away from pirated software because you can find lots of malware/treats imbedded into the code. This software will work and seem harmless but do you really know what’s going on?
If you use your mobile for email then keep a close eye on attachments. This is an easy way to transfer code to your device with you even know. Just delete it if it’s from a source you don’t know.
All devices at some stage will need an update, make sure to have regular checks for patches/updates pushed out from the manufacturer of your device. Sometimes this is an automatic update, sometime not just make sure you download from a source you know.