Mobile Antivirus Software
Since smartphones and tablets are replacing PCs for many tasks, it's no surprise that hackers are beginning to target these devices with new forms of viruses, Trojans and spyware. Researchers at several antivirus software companies say they've identified a group of malicious programs that hide in innocuous looking apps like games and video players.
These programs could make Android phones send information and receive commands without the owner's knowledge. One app used a phone's locating software to transmit the owner's whereabouts without permission, while another sent repeated text messages while charging fees to the owner's account. Compared to the malware targeting PCs, the mobile threat is so far small. At this stage smartphone users can get by with following common-sense precautions rather than purchasing one of the commercial antivirus products for mobile devices. However, as this threat will only grow in the future it may be wise to invest in more protection to preempt it.