Security experts warn of smartphone hacking risk

But disagree over when attacks will appear

Written by Andrea-Marie Vassou, Computeract!ve

Security experts have warned that new smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone, and those using Google’s Android software could be at an increased risk of attack from malicious software.

Smartphones, which allow software applications to be downloaded and installed, could “open the door for hackers” to release malicious software that attempts to gain access to users' passwords and online details, said Simon Church of iDefence and Richard Hales UK of F-Secure.

Mr Hales said that malware on PCs originated from "hobbyists and people with too much curiosity, but now more than 95 per cent of malware is created for commercial gain. We fear the same development will follow in mobile field”.

Advertisement

Although mobile phone viruses have been around since 2004, they have not become as widespread as those found in PCs. F-Secure predicts that around 400 types of infection have been discovered since then. These have been reliant on users opening infected picture messages or accepting Bluetooth transfers that contain malicious software.

However, Mr Church said that these attacks were set to evolve as a result of advanced mobile technology and the fact that people were using their handsets for more than just calls.

"People now use their handsets to send emails containing personal information and some even use them for online banking", he said.

"The iPhone and the Google Android phone let people develop and download third-party applications, such as games and payment services. The bad guys know this and they too are developing software."

He said phone viruses could be used to download keylogging tools that monitor the buttons people press, and could therefore be used to steal passwords used in online banking.

But a spokesperson for security firm Kaspersky advised people not to panic, claiming that such an attack is currently some way off.

David Emm, senior technology consultant at the security company, said: "We are beginning to see a head of steam building up around these types of mobiles. However it's going to take a little while for lots of people to get these phones, and it's proven that criminals only go after technology that can really make them money so we not at this point yet."

He warned, however, that users of modified iPhones were more at risk. "The current state of the iPhone means that people are limited to the applications they can download. Those unlocking it won’t have this protection” he said.

Google and Apple had not yet commented at the time of publication.

Tags:

Reader comments

More from Computeractive

News

The latest home computing news

Downloads

The best PC tools, applications and more

Reviews

Independent opinions on new hardware and software

Step-by-step guides

Easy-to-follow projects with pictures

PC Help

Solve PC problems with our Q&A

Videos

PC projects demonstrated and product reviews

Articles

An in-depth look at how to get the best from your PC

Magazine

What's coming up in Computeractive

Forums

Get help with your PC problems from our readers

Competitions

Your chance to win computing prizes

Shopping

Great deals on products, services and more

Computeractive CD Rom 10
All 26 issues of Computeractive from 2007 on one CD-Rom.

Ultimate Guide to PC Troubleshooting
Everything you need to know to solve your PC problems.

Create your own calendars softwareCreate your own Calendars
The fun and easy way to create your own calendars!

Computeractive - Issue 280Computeractive Back Issues
Missed an issue? Click here to find a back issue

Blogs

Windows Watch

Windows Watch

Keeping an eye on the latest XP and Vista news

Standards for standards

08 Jan 2009Maybe the recession has forced vendors to appreciate the value of a grown up attitude to standards. Panasonic's approach to an industry-wide...

Download Junkie

Download Junkie

Your daily dose of download discussion

Manage your projects more effectively using Task Coach

08 Jan 2009When undertaking a new project at home or at work, outlining the tasks required for completion is a good place to start,...

Advertisement

Free email newsletters

Techno babble demystified...

[Display all definitions]

Or type in any computer-related word and click "Go"

Advertisement

Computeractive is not reponsible for content of Google adverts

Primary Navigation

© Incisive Media Ltd. 2009. Incisive Media Limited, Haymarket House,
28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, is a company registered in the United Kingdom with company registration number 04038503

Search computeractive.co.uk