Mobile malware continues to skyrocket

More mobile device users are falling for cyber attacks as cyber criminals continue to devise more sophisticated means for infecting smartphones and tablets and stealing data they contain.

During the first half of 2011, according to G Data’s Malware Report on Current Threats for Internet Users and PCs, the number of devices infected with mobile malware increased 273 percent. Also in that time security researchers uncovered a new threat every 12 seconds, according to the report.

"With mobile malware, cyber criminals have discovered a new business model. At the moment, the perpetrators mainly use backdoors, spy programs and expensive SMS services to harm their victims," G Data security researcher Eddy Willems said.

Increased instances of mobile malware means that companies will have to be more diligent with mobile device management to protect their technology and data.

A recent InformationWeek report highlighted several simple steps that companies can follow to ensure their MDM initiatives are effective. In addition to leveraging passwords, mobile professionals should also avoid downloading questionable mobile applications and update their apps and operating systems as often as possible, the InformationWeek report stated.