Smartphones targeted by malware and hackers

Firms may need to improve security in their data management procedures, as a new study shows there has been a sharp rise in the amount of malware targeting smartphones.

Handsets using Google's open source Android operating system have been particularly targeted, with malware prevalence on the devices increasing by 76 per cent since the last quarter, according to McAfee.

According to IT research analyst and technology expert Cormac Foster, the number of employee using personal smartphones to access business networks when away from their desks is rising sharply.

With this in mind, firms would be advised to improve the security of the data management processes to protect against an influx of malware.

Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Lab says that attacks are becoming evermore sophisticated.

"We could see attacks that remain unnoticed for longer periods of time. High-profile hacktivist groups have also changed the landscape by drawing a line between attacks for personal gain and attacks meant to send a message," he added.

Posted by Rachel Wheeler