McAfee Reports Mobile Malware Is On the Rise

According to the June 2014 McAfee Labs Threat Report, mobile threats are on the rise, and are expected to continue to increase. New mobile malware has increased for five straight quarters, with a total mobile malware growth of 167% in 2013 alone. Total mobile malware has increased steadily since the first quarter of 2012. The report also noted two key issues that are important to be aware of:

1.      Beware of Flappy Bird clones: After the original Flappy Bird app was pulled from app stores in February, clones of the app were created to meet demand and McAfee found that 79% of these apps contained malware. This malware could be used to make calls, install additional apps, send and receive messages, extract contact data, track geo-location, and establish root access (which would allow uninhibited control of the app). McAfee warns consumers to be wary of free, third-party apps.

2.      Mobile malware is attacking apps and services: Mobile malware traditionally attacked standard mobile platforms, but malware developers have recently started abusing vulnerability in apps and services. The McAfee report found malware that abuses Google account authentication, obtains money through VISA QIWI Wallet, and takes advantage of encryption weakness in the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. McAfee is urging consumers to be more careful when granting app permission requests, and developers to work harder to protect apps and services from malware.

This report from McAfee stresses that cyber threats are increasing and businesses and consumers need to be more alert and take greater precautions when using mobile application. The full report from McAfee can be accessed through this link.