6 false myths that put your mobile device at risk

The growing market for mobile devices is still a target for the so-called "cyber criminals". According to the McAfee Labs quarterly report by Intel Security, malware threats have picked up 76% from last year, dedicating 16% to mobile devices.

Informants from Intel Security have warned that this can be prevented if users recognize the risks of their devices, breaking with these 6 false myths:

  • # 1 The smartphone does not need antivirus protection:

Like a computer, the smartphone is susceptible to security problems, therefore it is important to provide them with antivirus, antimalware and anti-spyware software.

  • # 2 It is easy to find the smartphone if it is lost:

Sometimes it is not enough just to call the cell phone to know where we left it. Installing an app such as geolocation (GPS) helps considerably in your search. For this option McAfee makes its Mobile Security application available.

  • # 3 Phishing does not attack smartphones:

Identity impersonators spare no effort when it comes to committing their dates and when they want to obtain confidential information for potential crimes, mobile device owners are not exempt. Even today you can be a victim of this modality not only through electronic mail, but also through SMS (SMiShing) and social networking applications. In fact, the smaller screen size, in relation to the computer, makes it difficult to detect suspicious links.

  • # 4 SMS are secure messages:

The text messenger does not have any type of protection, therefore it is easy for the "cybercriminals" to send spam through it.

  • # 5 You can rely on applications from recognized brands:

An app offered through a known app store does not imply that it is secure. Users can be scam victims by downloading one of them, if it is developed by cybercrime. Even McAfee labs spokespersons say that 80% of Android applications track and collect personal information. Both tablets and smarphones can receive malware with these downloads.

  • # 6 The PIN code protection allows you to maintain applications with automatic login:

Although keeping the access code restricted to the phone can provide some protection, a four-digit password is very easy to "hack" and by keeping the mobile applications with automatic login any one could enter, obtaining personal information and even sabotaging profiles of social networks.

Additionally, there are still many users with a tendency to use very simple combinations in their passwords (1234 or 2222, for example) and that makes them more vulnerable to cyberspace thieves.

(See here the list with the worst passwords of 2014)

In McAfee Labs, they recommend using longer and more complex keys. The systems offered by this Californian company include antivirus and anti-malware, application management, anti-theft system, and web protection for Android and iOS adds SecureVault to protect photos and videos from prying eyes.

For the manager of consumer and mobile products of Intel Security Spain, Francisco Sancho, has pointed out that “it is now more important than ever that the user is aware of the value, not only of his device, but of the sensitive and personal information he stores and manages. "

"They have in their hands powerful equipment and very valuable information for cybercriminals who must protect."

I like this:

I like it Loading…