Smartphone Users Disregard Malware Threats, Research Says

Smartphone Users Disregard Malware Threats, Research Says

According to security firm Trend Micro, smartphone users ignore malware threats, thinking that mobile phones are less prone to attacks than PCs. The research had 100 respondents, where 44 percent said they have disregarded the risks brought by the use of smarphone devices. 
 

Another 33 perecent said they don't think their phones will be infected with email virus or malware. Around 20 percent claimed they have detected phishing attacks on their mobile device. Only three percent said they have encountered malware attacks over the past three months. 

 

"As mobile phones become more web-based and as users more heavily rely on them to conduct their day-to-day business, potential risks brought about by phishing and other web threats will become more rampant as well," Bernadette Irinco of Trend Micro’s technical communications team posted in a blog. 

 

“Users are advised to be wary when browsing as this could lead them to malware infection and information loss. They are strongly urged to use security software to stay protected from malware infections," she added. 

 

Trend Micro revealed that criminals have been targeting smartphone devices, employing Symbian-based malware like SYMBOS_BESELO.A and SYMBOS_VIVER.A, and WINCE_CRYPTIC.A.