Threats to mobile devices
Definition
Trend Micro defines a mobile threat as any malware that targets smart phones. (Laptops and PDAs, while “mobile,” are susceptible to the same threats as desktop PCs and are therefore not included in this category). Mobile threats generally comprise Trojans and worms, and require user intervention to spread. While currently in their infancy, the explosion of consumer (and corporate) interest in phones using operating systems such as Symbian and others means that mobile threats are due to rise.
How to protect your smart phones from mobile device threats
- Implement an antivirus solution tailored for mobile devices, such as Trend Micro Mobile Security™.
- Keep all smart phone operating system and software security patches up to date.
- Educate employees about the latest threats, symptoms of infection, and how to protect their mobile devices:
- Do not disable your smart phone antivirus protection.
- Apply best practices for PC security to your mobile device.
- Seek IT support if your primary machine slows down following a synch-up with your smart phone.
What may happen if you don't adequately protect your smart phones against mobile threats
- Some mobile threats involve spyware that can log dialed numbers and record conversations. This exposes employees to invasion of privacy and potential identity theft, and can compromise corporate intellectual property.
- If infected, mobile devices that are subsequently connected to a “host” computer can open that computer—and the network—to a multitude of additional threats.
- Some mobile threats leverage Bluetooth technology to spread without user intervention, which increases the vulnerability of all corporate mobile devices, as well as the network.
- Mobile device downtime can translate to loss of employee productivity.
