About 80 percent of malware infections detected on mobile networks have been traced to Windows-based computers and laptops, according to a newly published Motive Security Labs H1 2015 Malware Report from Alcatel-Lucent.
Alcatel-Lucent said hardcore professional cybercriminals have invested heavily in the Windows malware ecosystem, making it the favorite platform for launching attacks on the mobile ecosystem. The Motive report also found that cybercriminals are quickly taking advantage of unique opportunities in the mobile ecosystem to spread spyware. In fact, 10 of the 25 most prolific threats on smartphones are in the mobile spyware category and are often delivered bundled with games and free software.
In examining the top 25 threats to mobile devices, the Motive report concluded that the main threats are currently:
- Spyphone apps that track calls, text messages, location, e-mail and browsing;
- ‘Scareware’ apps that try to extort money by claiming to have encrypted the phone’s data;
- Identity theft apps that steal personal information from the device;
- Banking ‘Trojans’ that attempt to steal banking credentials and credit card numbers;
- SMS Trojans that make a living by sending text messages to ‘premium’ numbers;
- Malicious adware that uses personal information, without consent, to deliver annoying targeted ads.
- A proxy app allowing hackers to anonymously browse the web through an infected phone – at the owner’s expense.