When you think malware, think mobile; it’s not just for PCs anymore. 2013 showed a significant increase in mobile malware; and security professionals agree that it’s going to continue to increase in the coming year. In fact, malware attacks are up from 50 to 2000 new samples per day.  It’ past time to start thinking about protecting your mobile devices.

If you’re using a Blackberry, Windows phone or iOS you’re ahead of the malware; 99% of mobile malware is targeted at Androids. The other one percent, however, does include Blackberry, Windows phones and iOS, so no one is impenetrable. Only a small percentage of those malware encounters, under 2%, were targeting specific devices. Most malware was spread through phishing scams, likejacking, and forced redirects.

Anti-virus for your mobile device

You probably wouldn’t think of running your laptop or desktop computer without first installing anti-virus software for protection. If you’re using an Android, the same should hold true. There are many mobile virus protection products on the market to choose from. Consider how you use your phone, and find the product that will work best to protect you.

Some things to look for when picking software to protect your mobile device include:

• Level of protective proficiency
• Anti-virus
• Anti-malware
• Anti-spam
• Anti-phishing
• Firewall security
• Real-time protection
• Remote locking
• Alarm that can be activated remotely
• Ability to activate GPS tracking

Common sense

Phishing

Don’t let yourself get caught in a phishing scam; they’re easy enough to avoid if you’re paying attention. Read carefully; sloppy language or poor punctuation are indications of a scam. If you aren’t 100% sure it’s a legitimate link, do not click on it.

Apps

Before you download any apps onto your mobile devices, do your homework:

• Check reviews
• Make sure you know the source of a third-party app
• Don’t grant permissions blindly

The rise in mobile malware doesn’t need to be frightening as long as you’re aware of the issues and taking measures to protect mobile devices as diligently as any other computer you use for work or play.

What are you using to protect your phone?