Report shows that the number of infected mobile devices is growing
A new report from Kindsight Security Labs highlights a very particular security threat that could be causing consumers significant amounts of stress without them fully realizing it. The report shows that malware for the Android mobile platform spiked this year, suggesting that one in every 140 mobile devices has been infected at one point. The problem may not lie in the devices themselves, but rather in the networks they connect to. The report claims that approximately 14% of households throughout the U.S. are experiencing similar malware problems that are becoming increasingly common on mobile platforms.
ZeroAccess botnet leads to bandwidth consumption
The report, called Q2 2012 Malware Report, suggests that bandwidth consuming malware is a significant problem. According to the report, the ZeroAccess botnet, which was discovered last year and encompassed more than 1.2 million nodes, consumed the bandwidth equivalent of 34 monthly movie downloads for every person that it affected. Bandwidth consumption can be a serious issue for those who receive Internet service through a company that provides limitations on the amount of bandwidth being used.
Malware could cause serious problems for some consumers
Bandwidth consumption could be a serious issue for smart phone owners, many of whom are required to purchase data plans in order to use their phones. Many data plans offer unlimited access to a mobile network, but some have limitations included. Exceeding the limitations of a particular data plan could translate into serious financial losses for some people. Kindsight researchers suggest that many consumers have fallen prey to the ZeroAccess botnet in the past several months and have suffered the financial consequences.
Both iOS and Android are vulnerable to malware
Mobile devices are also at risk of malware that is designed to steal vital information from a smart phone. Some malware can even intercept the information use to make purchases online or in person using NFC technology. Kindsight’s report suggests that both iOS and Android mobile devices are susceptible to the threats presented by malware.
