Sharing from a good friend on Facebook. At work we heard an expert on mobile device security explain how in recent months the implementation of malware against mobile/smart phones has exploded. The trend will only accelerate. I'll try to pass along some recommendations he made... The main targets are Android phones, but all platforms are vulnerable. Malware can hack your passwords, financial data of any kind, photos, or other information that you would not want others to have access to. Most people don't use a pin# or password with more than four characters to unlock their devices, so ANYone who can access your device can conceivably install such malware if you misplace it or don't always have control of it [A PIN with 6 or more characters is going to be much more secure than a 4 digit PIN, and please do NOT use '1234' as your PIN! there are plenty of ways to easily crack short PINs ] There are cybercrime sites that sell equipment that can masquerade as the wifi routers that you access at the local Coffee place and make unauthorized changes on your device or hack its information. People can generate and replace legitimate QR codes on display in public places with fake ones that direct your device to a spoof site when you scan them. There are many links and apps displayed on places such as Facebook that can expose you to malware risks if you click on them--use services that are available which will scan those links to let you know if they are safe. If you travel, especially overseas, it is a good practice to secure your phone when not in your possession by not only removing the battery, but also your SIM card and keeping it with you--criminals can clone SIM cards extremely quickly now. As I posted before, there are potentially fake apps on places such as Google Marketplace that will install malware on your phone. 'Antivirus' apps only scan things like files, they do not protect against malware codes. A little paranoia can be useful here--the important thing is to think about what you are going to click on or install in your mobile device--you MUST consider your smartphone to be a true connected computer (that happens to make phone calls), and protect yourself and your information accordingly. Like · · Unfollow Post · Share