A new report from summarizes the threat of malware against mobile security in the first quarter for 2013, with Android phones being prime targets for malicious software. If you recall, malware is software that installs itself onto mobile phones, tablets and computers with the aim of mining your data for sensitive information like banking numbers. It often masquerades as an external link in an e-mail or message that may appear to be from a friend or family member.

The mobile landscape is described as ‘target-rich’ for hackers looking to obtain massive amounts of private information quickly. Tablets and mobiles often have no security at all. Many users fail to secure their gadgets with a simple password, let alone encryption or anti-virus software.

These devices are sitting ducks, with owners waiting to become victims of crimes like identity theft as they carry out daily activities, including sending work-related e-mails and paying bills online.

Another way malware is finding its way onto phones and tablets is through apps. Some apps may look harmless on the outside, but actually carry data mining protocols within, taking users by surprise. It’s important to only download apps that come from trusted sources. Even screening by big companies like Google and Apple can’t catch every threat, so it’s important to be vigilant and suspicious of strange activity.

To give you an idea of the exponential growth of malware threats, Kaspersky reports that in February and March of 2013 they detected 20,000 new mobile malware modifications or security threats. That’s nearly half of all the mobile malware attacks that were recorded in the entirety of 2012!

Governments, users and the private sector all have to come together when it comes to presenting a joint effort against hackers who use malicious software. Cybercrime is on the rise, but so is awareness about it.

is on the forefront of bringing the best technology to users in an affordable way, while educating consumers to be smart about the activities they get involved in online. With innovative approaches, we can keep the internet fun, safe, efficient and free for everyone.

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