We’ve had no shortage of smartphone security warnings, particularly with regards to Google’s Android and often coming directly from security software folk with nothing to gain from incessant scaremongering. Ahem.
But now we have none other than the Feds – yes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – stepping in with a set of guidelines.
The Intelligence Note was prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3), and warns that smartphone users should be aware of malware targeting mobile devices.
Specific examples include Loozfon, which steals contacts from the user's address book, as well as the infected device’s phone number; and FinFinisher, which can be used to remotely control a device.
As for those guidelines (13 points in total), the FBI recommends reading reviews before making a smartphone purchase, using a passcode on your unlock screen, and being aware of the permissions you’re giving to apps.
Other tips include installing malware protection, exercising caution when connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks, and completely wiping devices before recycling.
We’re also warned against rooting and Jailbreaking. The FBI notes: “Anytime a user, application or service runs in 'unrestricted' or 'system' level within an operation system, it allows any compromise to take full control of the device.”
