Malicious Software Expected to Increase.

Wireless Week, January, 2006

By Staff This year, the industry can brace itself for more mobile malware. Researchers at McAfee Avert Labs expect the number of malicious software programs to reach 750, up from about 255 at the end of 2005. Although it's not considered a "giant" leap in the number of mobile threats, "compared to the previous year and the year before that, the situation is getting worse," says Craig Schmugar, the virus research manager for McAfee Avert Labs who was responsible for discovering MyDoom.

The proliferation of smartphone technology plays a role in the increase. Researchers also say they expect the threats to make a quick transition to converged strategies, such as cellular/Wi-Fi devices. Mobile malware was first sighted in June 2004 when a group of...

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