Security Slideshow: Mobile Malware Threats On the Rise

6 million

During 1Q 2011, McAfee found 6 million unique malware issues, making it the most-active quarter in history.

Symbian

Symbian was the most malware-targeted mobile environment during 1Q 2011, accounting for more than 75 percent of all mobile malware.

Android

Not surprisingly to those who have been watching the headlines, Android was the second-most-targeted mobile environment during the quarter.

No Safe Platform

However, those who use other operating systems shouldn't necessarily feel safe. Mobile malware was found on on platforms, including iOS, BlackBerry OS, in 1Q 2011.

Malware Innovation

McAfee discovered during 1Q 2011 that those who developed the "Zeus crimeware toolkit" have developed new versions of the Zitmo exploit for Symbian and Windows Mobile.

SMS Threat

The Android/Bgyoulu creators have created a mobile malware that opens a phone up to being attacked through SMS.

Spam Attacks

Spam proved to be another issue during 1Q 2011, but levels were at their lowest since 2007, thanks to the takedown of the Rustock botnet.

Product-Related Messages

According to McAfee, cybercriminals were able to lure unsuspecting victims through spam attacks by sending product-related messages.

News Events

Major events, including the Japanese earthquake, proved to be most associated with malicious files. In fact, 50 percent of the top 100 search terms related to major events in 1Q 2011 led to malicious sites, McAfee found.