Smartphones Need Stronger Malware Protection

As more mobile subscribers make the move to smartphones, growing security threats from mobile malware are spurring increased demand for robust applications that minimise the potential impact of malware on mobile services, according to the latest report from Unstrung Insider, a paid research service from Unstrung and TechWeb’s Light Reading.

“Despite all the benefits smartphones offer, one considerable disadvantage is mobile malware designed to damage or disrupt mobile systems,” notes Denise Culver, research analyst with Unstrung Insider and author of the report. “Mobile malware threats are on the rise, especially as smartphones increase in popularity, because smartphone operating systems are a primary malware target.”

Security applications are aimed at minimising the malware threat before a full-fledged attack can occur, Culver says. “Mobile malware security vendors are preparing for wide-scale attacks by hackers – attacks that eventually will be as headline grabbing as those that hit e-mail systems,” she notes. “Their hope is that smartphone manufacturers, carriers, and enterprises – not to mention smartphone users – will not wait until the threats have reached that level before securing their mobile systems.”

Key Findings

The report notes that mobile operating systems and downloads, both of which are increasingly similar to those found on PCs, are significant problem areas for mobile malware threats. It says that carriers will begin offering mobile malware services as a way to compete and differentiate themselves in the market over the next 12 months.

A number of factors must be considered when budgeting for mobile malware security, including the customer’s risk profile and the type of applications run on the device. The SMB market is one of the strongest for mobile malware security vendors.