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Released: August 03, 2010

Cybercriminals turn attention to smartphones

Source: Byron Acohido, USA Today

Hackers have begun adapting tried-and-true computer infections to work on Internet-enabled smartphones that are all the rage with consumers. Global smartphone shipments topped 54 million in the first three months of this year, a 57% jump from a year ago, according to research firm IDC.

The cyber-underground took notice. Download the wrong wallpaper app for your Google Android phone and you could get one that will harvest the phone and voicemail numbers, and data that can be used to disclose your location. Mobile security firm Lookout discovered 80 such Android Web apps last week, which have since been taken down by Google, says John Hering, Lookout’s CEO.

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