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Biggest mobile threats 2012! The year of smartphones(Flare (Pakistan) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) In 2012 Lookout predicts that some of the biggest mobile malware monetization trends will be mobile pickpocketing (SMS/call fraud), botnets and vulnerable phones. Cyber criminals will also attempt to distribute malware using automated repackaging, browser attacks and malvertising Smartphones are increasingly becoming attractive target for nefarious hackers, and in 2012 the number of incidents of mobile based malware is set to skyrocket, according to mobile security vendors and analysts. “2011 was a watershed year in terms of the types of threats we saw emerging. In 2012 Lookout predicts that some of the biggest mobile malware monetization trends will be mobile pickpocketing (SMS/call fraud), botnets and vulnerable phones. Cyber criminals will also attempt to distribute malware using automated repackaging, browser attacks and malvertising. In November, market researcher Juniper found that Android malware samples had increased by 472 percent since July 2011 and predicted that “Android will remain the target of mobile malware writers around the world.” Security company Websense forecast that there would be more than 1000+ different mobile device attacks on smartphones and tablets in 2012. It’s important for users to be on the lookout for malware on any device they use, however, Google Open Source Programs manager Chris DiBona, suggests that the issue is being exaggerated. In a post on Google+, DiBona writes that “No major cell phone has a ‘virus’ problem in the traditional sense that window and some mac machines have seen. There have been some little things, but they haven’t gotten very far due to the user sandboxing models and the nature of the underlying kernels.” If you are concerned about security on your mobile phone some of the best ways to be safe are to lock your phone with a password when it is not in use and download applications from official app stores. For anyone who follows the smartphone market year 2012 is going to be very interesting – maybe the most interesting yet. We will see big announcements such as iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III. Followed by new platforms such as Windows Phone 8, Blackberry 10 and Meltemi. RIM is in deep trouble whether they publicly acknowledge it or not. The smartphone market has practically divided into three and is now the shared playground of Android, iOS and increasingly also Windows Phone. RIM finds itself in a new position as an outsider and lives in utopia if it still believes that it can have a future without joining either the Android or Windows Phone camps. HTC is in a difficult spot. They have grown fast since 2006 but the growth has now apparently come to an end. The Taiwanese company released a profit warning in November and lowered its Q4 revenue forecast by 25 percent. HTC’s success has mostly been built on the success of Android. Samsung has so far seemed pretty much incapable of coming up with any ideas of its own. Therefore it’s no wonder that the lawyers from Cupertino are constantly banging their door. I expect this trend to continue in 2012 as well. Samsung has experienced noticeable success with its Galaxy series of Android handsets. I believe that Samsung will continue on this road and keep investing heavily into the development of new Android phones and tablets (Internet TVs). Apple will continue to dominate the smartphone market as it has done so far. As can be expected Apple’s biggest product launch in history, the much awaited iPhone 5, will sell faster than any other iPhone before it. However, the year 2012 will mark a turning point also for Apple as it sees fierce competition from both the Android and Windows Phone camps. Nokia is finally back! I expect Lumia to become a worldwide hit that will help the company to get rid of the curtain of negativity that it has been hiding behind since the iPhone launched in 2007. Windows Phone will finally start to show some signs of life in 2012. And due to the heavy investments made to the ecosystem by both, Nokia and Microsoft also the developers and media are starting to take notice. I believe that from a technology perspective 2012 will be remembered as the year of a smartphone. The biggest battle in the history of smartphones will likely be fought in 2012. Apple, Google and Samsung are all gearing up for the big battle. It will be especially interesting to see what Microsoft and Nokia can accomplish now that Nokia finally has competitive products. There’s no fight without a black horse and in this fight there are three. Facebook, Amazon and Yahoo. I believe Android to continue to be popular also in 2012. LG, Huawei and friends will keep flooding the market with non-inspiring mediocre Android devices, with mediocre quality and mediocre consumer interest. Sony is also in a new position now that it has ditched its long time partner Ericsson. I expect Sony to continue on its Xperia path of nicely designed Android devices with decent specs, plasticy feel and confusing custom graphical user interface. New PlayStation phone is without a doubt also in the works. Mobile gaming will continue to be a big thing in 2012. In 2012 the five most earth shattering things will be the RIM’s undecided fait, turbulence inside Android ecosystem, the continuing iPhone fatigue among consumers, Windows Phone’s moderate success and the Facebook Phone. I believe that from a technology perspective 2012 will be remembered as the year of a smartphone. The biggest battle in the history of smartphones will likely be fought in 2012. Apple, Google and Samsung are all gearing up for the big battle. It will be especially interesting to see what Microsoft and Nokia can accomplish |