Beware the Mobile Malware

Our home PC's have long since been besieged by a threatening armada of security threats. Ever since I can remember picking up a mouse there has been a looming threat of Viruses and more recently breeds of mal- and spyware which can run amok in an unsuspecting users machine.

I suppose inevitably enough the scourge has spread to our beloved Smartphones. With the discovery of a particularly unnerving breed of Android Malware which can record and export calls, SMS and even phone location the Mobile world is becoming another battleground. Android and iPhone users are now recommended to install and maintain anti-virus software on their handsets in order to protect their pocket device. With huge amounts of data being hauled around in a device which might wrongly be considered immune, it is probably time for us Smartphone users to tighten our belts.

Details in a recent report show Android users are now two and half times more likely to stumble onto Malware in the Android Market than they were in January. Apple iOS users who rely on manual connection to iTunes are also lagging behind on firmware security updates which is unlikely to change until the impending 'over-the-air' update mechanism rolls out in iOS 5. In true Corporal Jones style there really is no need to panic, however the general advice (as with PC users) is to take precautions by installing some protection software.

I have tried a few on the Android platform and heres my low-down...

Lookout Mobile Security - https://www.mylookout.com/

I first tried this one when it was in Beta early last year. A complete security offering which is now offered in a slimmed down free flavour, and a premium full featured package. After installing the app the user is able to remotely locate, lock, or wipe their handset. Anti-virus and on demand scanning come as standard and data backup and restore is also offered through over-the air transmission to lookout servers.

I tested the locate function on Android Gingerbread this morning, whilst it took a little longer than expected (5 mins+) it duly prompted my that it had found my phone with a convenient and accurate email notification. The security scanning seems slick and reliable so far which is the important part.

Available on Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile platforms, the majority of smartphone users are protected.

Verdict: 8/10. A reliable solution for security and loss/theft options and has come a long way since beta. Good value at $19.99 a year and will help give you peace of mind that your handset is protected and retrievable above and beyond a standard keylock and insurance policy.

McAfee Mobile Security - http://www.mcafeemobilesecurity.com/

After picking up mobile security pioneers Wavesecure last year McAfee have been quick to put together an offering to keep mobile users secure alongside their desktop and server protection. Building on the original Wavesecure concept which centered on remote locate, lock and wipe functions McAfee Mobile Security provides real-time scanning alongside a comprehensive online portal allowing extensive remote control of the device.

Supporting Blackberry, Symbian, Android and iPhones, this is a solid offering for mobile users across the board. The feature of remotely shutting down a phone but extracting your personal data covertly over the network before ordering a "nuke" of the phone is certainly a feature which will put some more troubled minds at ease.

Unfortunately however, my experience with this software on Android certainly takes the shine off. Remote requests are issued via text messages. For some reason which is not abundantly clear McAfee have retained Wavesecure's Singapore messaging servers. A request from your online account will therefore prompt a costly text message from an international number in order to kick your phone into action. Simply testing the locate and lock I managed to add £3 to my bill. On top of a $29.99 yearly subscription you might start to wonder if its worth it.

Verdict: 5/10 Nice idea and looks great to start with. Execution and reliability seems poor, although with some tweeks and reduced cost this is probably the most comprehensive solution available. Shame really...

AVG Mobilation/Anti-virus Free - http://www.avgmobilation.com/

A more recent contender in the market, the product of AVG and DroidSecurity is the AVG Mobilation package suitable for Android smartphones and tablets. On first installation and to the discerning mobile app user the visuals of the app are a little unnerving. Pale white screens and non-branded app logos make this offering look like malware itself. However pressing on I discovered a comprehensive scanning functionality which delves deep into settings, emails, SMS, contacts and even bookmarks.

Assuming you trust AVG's signatures, this looks like a pretty watertight solution for the security minded Smartphone user. The on-demand and real-time scanning features are also lightweight and efficient so you dont have to worry about your Smartphone real estate being gobbled.

The free trial of the pro software lasts 30 days which should give you ample chance to test if its for you (full version license £6.15) Alternatively there is Anti-Virus free which offers continual free (albeit slightly slimmed) protection.

Verdict: 7/10 Looks to be a great option for comprehensive threat protection, cant help feeling that one of the 'all-round' solutions offering remote locking and location offers a better investment if you want to spend cash on protecting your handset.


So there you have it, a whistlestop tour through Mobile security, for a full run down check out this from Top Ten Reviews.

Happy (and safe) Smartphoning!