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Security for Mobile Devices

May 30, 2006

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Summary Mobile devices are becoming a target for attacks.

In This Article

Introduction
Attractive targets
Physical threats
Online attacks
Handheld security tips
Conclusion
Related Links

Introduction

Mobile devices are attractive targets. Learn how to secure your handheld the same way you would your PC or Mac.

Mobile devices connect to the Internet, send and receive email, facilitate instant messaging, and store our personal information. While that’s a great convenience, it also makes your PDA or smart phone an attractive target for cybercriminals.

Cybercriminals write malware, attack computers, and engage in fraud to get access to valuable data. The more popular handheld devices become, the more thieves will turn their attention to them. Viruses written for cell phone and PDA operating systems have already emerged, and more dangerous viruses are likely on the horizon.

Physical threats

The most obvious threat to your handheld device is perhaps the most overlooked: Physical theft or loss. Loaded with information—and valuable in and of themselves—PDAs and smart phones are common targets for physical theft. Small and unobtrusive, they’re also easy to lose.

Online attacks

Virtual attacks are also an issue. Virus developers are writing malware for handheld operating systems, and while much of this malware has been benign, it’s starting to get more serious.

Consider the Locknut threat.

A Trojan horse, SymbOS.Locknut targets the Symbian operating system. Disguising itself as a patch, it installs files that crash all the programs on the phone. Some variants also install further malicious code. Fortunately, the additional code is benign; down the road, however, Trojans like this could be more harmful.

Meanwhile, Bluetooth vulnerabilities create another path for cybercriminals to get at your information. Some malware has already spread over Bluetooth, and new techniques for hacking mobile devices via Bluetooth are emerging.

Handheld security tips

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself now:

Be vigilant. Don’t leave your handheld laying out on a café table or in an outside pocket of your purse or backpack. Don’t carry it in a jacket or any other place where a pickpocket could easily snatch it.
Password-protect your handhelds. Use strong password and PINs to make it difficult for thieves to access them. Consider using a third-party “padlock” program to give yourself extra protection.
Make backups. Just as you would for your PC or Mac, set up a regular backup schedule for the information on your mobile devices.
Limit the amount of confidential data you carry on your handhelds. Use memory sticks or another removable medium to store sensitive information.
Encrypt your most important files. A number of third-party software programs give you the ability to encrypt handheld data.
Protect your handhelds with security software. Norton Smartphone Security protects your smart phone from viruses and intruders.
Use secure wireless connections. If you can’t find one, save important transmissions until you can connect to a secure environment.
Disable Bluetooth and wireless signals when they’re not in use.
Use the same savvy surfing habits you do when connected over a land line. That means verifying the authenticity of email attachments, downloads, and Web sites.

Conclusion

PDAs and cell phones are attractive targets for criminals. While some thieves target handhelds themselves, other pickpockets—and their virtual counterparts—are after personal data. Good habits and solid tools help you to secure your mobile device.