Local Android users risk cyber attack

A recent Juniper report has revealed a sharp increase in the number of cyber attacks targeting Android devices. In light of this, ESET has launched the new ESET Mobile Security app for Android smartphone and tablet users.

According to a threat report from analysts at research firm, Juniper, there has been a sharp 614% rise in mobile malware attacks since 2012, but this growth comes off a very low base, with Android malware previously being rare.

‚”As consumers we’ve become reliant on using our smartphones to store essential and personal information for all aspects of our lives,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa. “”With Android now being the world’s most popular OS, it is the perfect environment for cyber criminals to ‚’phish’ for personal details. Most users are completely unaware that their phone is open to a cyber threat by simply using a search engine, browsing a website, or even downloading an app from a third party store.‚””

ESET Mobile Security for Android provides a range of features including scanning, anti-phishing, anti-theft and virus protection.

‚””Hackers have spotted an incredible vulnerability in Android that means they can easily manipulate code and plant Trojans in apps to consistently access, monitor and steal personal information. The majority of these attacks go undetected because many users don’t always have adequate protection for their mobiles,‚”” adds Drew van Vuuren, CEO at 4Di Privaca. Lee Bristow, Security Consultant at ESET Southern Africa says: ‚””As more companies are embracing BYOD (bring your own device), and mobility amongst the workforce continues to increase, more remote access sessions via mobile are at risk of password and information compromise. Local businesses equipping their staff with Android devices must begin to take security more seriously by extending existing security across any mobile device – particularly Android.‚”” Key features in ESET Mobile Security for Android:

· Anti-virus protection: ESET Mobile Security offers an anti-virus engine capable of detecting both known and unknown threats. Run automatic and manual updates, scan logs and quarantine files daily or by default.

· In-depth scanning: the app improves detection and performance by using a combination of variable depth, scheduled and background scanning features.

¬∑ Anti-theft: ESET mobile security uses ‚’Trusted Friends’ to secure and locate the device using SMS commands in the event the device is lost or stolen.

· SMS and call filtering: rules can be applied to block or allow SMS messages or incoming calls. Each rule can be applied to unknown numbers, specific contact groups or individual contacts.

· Security audit: monitor installed app permissions such as location tracking, access to contacts, or in-app purchases to close any security loopholes.

· Anti-Phishing and built-in USSD control features: ESET Mobile Security integrates with standard Android web browsing apps by allowing users to check for compatibility when browsing in order to protect against malicious websites.

· User interface (UI): the UI and set-up wizard makes the app easy to use and light on battery, keeping the device protected when navigating the web, connecting to public Wi-Fi, visiting untrustworthy websites or clicking on suspicious email or instant messages to download apps from third party stores.

· Free and premium features available at Google Play: available from the official Android app store, users will receive unlimited access to a variety of ESET Mobile Security features for free. Users can also upgrade to the premium version from within the app for full, comprehensive protection against both digital and real-world threats.

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