More malware in phones
By Asha

Mobile Security Company Lookout has released a detailed report on malware affecting phones and mobile devices. India is in a high risk zone.  The highlights are

- Both web-based and app-based threats are increasing in prevalence and sophistication.
- Android users are two and a half times as likely to encounter malware today than 6 months ago and three out of ten Android owners are likely to encounter a web-based threat on their device each year.
- An estimated half million to one million people were affected by Android malware in the first half of 2011; Android apps infected with malware went from 80 apps in January to over 400 apps cumulative in June 2011.
- Attackers are deploying a variety of increasingly sophisticated techniques to take control of the phone, personal data, and money. Additionally, malware writers are using new distribution techniques, such as malvertising and upgrade attacks.

Not only has malware grown more rapidly than spyware, there has also been a steady growth in the number of applications infected with malware, increasing from 80 to 400 unique applications in the first six months of 2011. Worldwide, the likelihood of encountering malware varies from less than 1% to more than 4% depending on country.