Identity thieves set sights on smartphones

Emerging research has suggested that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly interested in mobile platforms, underscoring the importance of comprehensive online security strategies that protect data from all sides.

According to the latest report from Cloudmark analysts, financial fraud and spam delivered via SMS text message are on the rise across the U.S., growing at a rate of more than 300 percent since last year. Company researchers currently have their eyes on approximately two dozen unique attack strategies with thousands of variations. This news is particularly concerning as consumer mobile security awareness continues to lag behind the pace of threat evolution.

"There is a substantial difference in the profile of attacks on mobile versus email," explained Cloudmark chief executive Hugh McCartney. "Our mobile data research reveals that more than half of SMS spam is composed of targeted attacks focused on extracting financial account information or enticing the subscriber to call premium rate numbers, usually with immediate financial impact to the mobile user.”

It can be difficult to detect the advances of mobile identity thieves considering many carefully assume the disguise of a bank or credit union representative. However, online security fundamentals still apply, and Cloudmark analysts advise smartphone owners to avoid clicking any links contained in messages or providing any financial information via text.