2011: the year of the mobile threat?

A SOUND DEFENCE

Of course, although there are a number of real threats out there, it’s in the best interest of anti-malware vendors to put us in fear of our phones’ security. All the big names have their own mobile security software and they’d be really happy if we all used it. We’ll take a look at your options for mobile security in the near future, but in the meantime, here are a few basic guidelines you can follow to keep your phone safe.

1. If you’re really worried, don’t install third-party apps. If you have an Android phone, you have to give it special permission to even do so. Check to make sure the option is disabled by going to your Settings menu, then Applications and making sure that the Unknown sources box (which allows you to install non-Market applications) is not ticked.

2. Know what permissions you’re giving every app. Just like End User Licence Agreements, we tend to click through the permissions we agree to give applications as we install them on our phones. Most apps will want to access to your SD card, for example, but you should start getting suspicious if anything wants access to SMS messaging – that will usually be listed as “Services that could cost you money”. Keep your eyes peeled.

3. Check your phone bill. It’s easy to forget when you use direct debit and keep your phone bill online, but you should check it every month to make sure you’re spending what you should. Unlike a bank, which will phone you if it noticed irregular credit card activity, as ESET’s Pavel Luka told us: “it’s in the [mobile service] providers’ interest for [premium messages] to be sent.” That means they won’t look into it or raise any objections if they see any on your bill. It’s up to you to spot any irregularities. If possible, get a fully itemised bill that shows all the numbers you text and phone.