As technology advances, criminals are also getting craftier. According to a McAfee research, hackers and other cyber criminals are now using mobile browsers to spread viruses and other malware. These criminals are implanting downloads in web pages that can be viewed on a mobile device.
The research found more than 4,500 new mobile malware during the second quarter of the year. Most of the malware discovered were designed for Symbian or Java ME. The Apple devices are still quite safe.
One malware that you should be on the lookout for is called ‘Android/NotCompatible.A’. This malware tricks a user into downloading a fake file. This fake file claims to be an Android system update.
It doesn’t stop there. Be careful with what you post on your Facebook accounts and other social media. These hackers tend to be systematical in their approach. First, they gather information about their target through the target’s social media sites. Facebook is at the top of the list as people in general reveal a lot of personal information there. These criminals don’t go for random victims. They are now more specific with whom they want to target.
If marketing people do targeted marketing, these hackers also do targeted hacking. For example, in Brazil, Belarus, Germany, Russia and India, the emails are flooded with drug spam. In France, there is an increase in emails about single women. While in America, email accounts receive fake email delivery errors.
These criminals study the lifestyle of a specific group. If you don’t have much technical knowledge, you can fall victim to one of their scams. Until antivirus companies develop a robust anti-malware program for mobile devices, you have to be vigilant.
What small businesses can do
If you are using tablets and smartphones in the office, make your employees aware of the dangers of downloading unknown files and apps. Downloads must be cleared by the IT team first. Make it known that violators will be seriously reprimanded depending on the damage done.
If there is an email asking for sensitive information regarding a client or project in the company, double check with the person who sent the email if he or she really sent the email. It’s better to put in the extra effort to avoid having confidential information stolen from you.
Limit Internet access and limit the number of people who have access to your mobile devices. Protect your devices with passwords and give the passwords only to people who are involved in a project. After you’re done with a project and you need to start with a new team, change the passwords.
Cybercriminals will always find a way to bring harm to people so everyone should take extra precaution when entering the World Wide Web.
Author's Byline: Protect your company by installing secure office phone systems. Check out businesstelephonesystem.org for more information.
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