Danger lies ahead from mobile hackers

[Colin Dunstan]

You knew it was only a matter of time until those damned hackers would find a new playground. The Standard is citing McAfee according to whom Hackers are now concentrating on phishing scams, exploiting vulnerabilities, as well as on mobile phone viruses:

Criminals are also discovering new possibilities with mobile devices. Mobile viruses, which until recently seemed an unrealized threat, are now on the move, McAfee said. While the company detected five mobile malware threats in the fourth quarter of last year, that number now stands at 50, it said. However, mobile attacks won't grow as rapidly as computer threats because of the variety of operating systems and the fact that devices are only intermittently connected to the Internet, Gullotto said.

Of course we know it better and are well aware of the fact that many Virii writers are working hand in hand with anti-virus companies. Some conspiracy theorists even claim that Virii writers are hired by them. I wouldn't be surprised.

[hacker]

Originally Posted by Morpheus

Criminals are also discovering new possibilities with mobile devices. Mobile viruses, which until recently seemed an unrealized threat, are now on the move, McAfee said. While the company detected five mobile malware threats in the fourth quarter of last year, that number now stands at 50, it said.

How ironic that an anti-virus company would be spreading fear about mobile viruses. I can't possibly understand what their motivation would be... </sarcasm>

Incidentally, "virii" is not a word. The plural of virus is viruses. <grin>

[sUnShInE]

Just saw that this was picked up at CliePlanet...

[Alexander Turcic]

The scary part is that I think Colin is right. People write malicious code today not for the "fun of it" but for making money. And who would be more willing to pay than an anti-virus vendor who is the first to deliver the remedy?