Computer security experts are worried that the advances in smartphone technology, such as achieved by the Apple iPhone 3G S will lead to an increased threat of malware.

Basically, as the ability to mobile surf becomes the norm, mobile phones will become just as vulnerable to attack from malware as desktops and laptops.

And what’s more, the popularity of the App Store makes the chance of malware infiltration far higher than before. Experts say that the problems being encountered by PC users now on a daily basis (spam, viruses and identity theft), could become commonplace on mobile phones.

The experts are worried that smartphones, effectively complex multimedia devices which have a number of ways of communicating, and which are updated on a very regular basis, are leaving the security industry trying to play catch up.

So the best solution, claim the experts, is rather than the onus being on the mobile user protecting themselves, is to get the network operators to take control of the situation. They should introduce sophisticated security techniques including anti-flooding technology, anti-spam and virus filtering software, and, blacklisting programmes.

Whether the network operators agree that one of their roles is to act as policemen against malware threats remains to be seen. But if someone doesn’t get a grip on developments soon, warn the security companies, then the situation will get out of hand and mobile surfers will become a happy hunting ground for the cyber criminals.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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