Some of the newest platforms for mobile devices have proven to be big winners in part due to the emerging importance of adding applications to your phone or tablet to customize the experience. And thus the “app store” has turned into a retailing powerhouse for software developers and a key distribution channel. But since the various programs come from a very wide list of providers, some with secure design and some perhaps with room to grow you have to be cautious about what you install. To protect your device from poorly written or maliciously inclined software, we recommend you install security software.
One example is our Norton application (currently in beta) for the Android platform that I highly recommend. It can scan and protect you from installing malware on your system, prevent others from installing spyware (hello suspicious spouse?) and block unwanted callers. You can also set up a remote lock/wipe system so if your phone or device is lost or stolen, your data won’t fall into the wrong hands. Sweet.
Malware for mobile devices is not fiction. A new report from China has come out about malware in several mobile platform apps. To get a techy’s view of the issue, I recommend Symantec Security Response’s blog entry on the Geinimi threat. I asked Symantec’s Director of Security Response Kevin Haley what he made of this news story. Here’s what he said, “We have predicted this will be the year of mobile threats. We recommend all customers around the world be careful where they download applications from. Use the legitimate app store. That free game you download may actually come with a high price attached.”
Make sure you stick to the official app market for your selections; the provider may or may not review and screen new apps but you can be sure they’ll remove any found to be dangerous. You can also check the comments and reviews left in the app store by other users. Remember, stay safe and practice caution, even if you’re dying to try that new game on your shiny new phone!