Smartphones need antivirus protection too: computer experts
Cyberattacks on smartphones are expected to increase this year, but experts say most users have no idea their gadgets need protection
Almost 90 per cent of smartphone users are unaware of the need to install antivirus applications on their phones, computer experts have warned.
The advice - said to be especially crucial for those with Android gadgets - came as the Computer Emergency Response Team Co-ordination Centre said it had received more than 1,150 reports of security and virus incidents throughout last year. This is 30 per cent more than that in 2011 and the highest since 2009.
The centre, operated under the Productivity Council, said most incidents involved hacking, followed by phishing attempts by leading users to fake websites, and defacement of websites by intruders. All categories recorded an increase from a year ago.
While incidents under the new smartphone category were relatively fewer - with just 18 reported incidents - experts said most users had no idea that smartphones, like computers, also required antivirus software.
Last year, the centre published a record 429 alerts in response to software companies' announcements of security loopholes in their products. This was a sign there was now more room for hackers to strike.