Cybercrime Goes Mobile

Protecting yourself and your information while using your smartphone or tablet.

Eighteen people fall victim to cybercrime every second, and that cost U.S. consumers $21 billion in the last year. But the price of cybercrime isn’t the only statistic that is rising. While PCs remain the primary targets, cybercriminals are also finding ways to attack consumers on mobile devices.

McAfee, a leading security technology company, has discovered nearly 13,000 different types of mobile malware this year, up from 2,000 in 2011. Hackers are developing new attack methods for smartphones and tablets and revisiting old tricks.

According to CNN Money, “ransomware” is one method making a comeback, but this time on smartphones. After users unknowingly download the program by opening an attachment, the virus captures their device and data, surrendering it only if they pay money to the hacker.

Additionally, “drive-by” attacks, which formerly targeted PCs, are now hitting mobile devices. In a drive-by attack, hackers break into mobile websites and infect those users who visit them.

To help keep smartphone users safe, Verizon Wireless, Asurion and McAfee combined efforts to launch the Mobile Security App for Android. The app allows users to remotely locate, alarm, lock and even wipe data from a misplaced or lost device.

Being vigilant about security can provide peace of mind for smartphone users as their device becomes a bigger part of their daily lives.