Press & PR

The number of scams targeting mobile phone users is on the rise, according to security experts.

Consumer advisory service GetSafeOnline has suggested that threats from SMiShing scams - which target mobile users through text messages - has grown somewhat in recent times.

According to Tony Neate, managing director of the firm, while it will be sometime before consumers see viruses specifically targeting mobiles, SMiShing attacks are becoming more common.

Such an attack would involve a consumer receiving a text encouraging the person to call a premium rate call number or visit a maliciously-coded website to unsubscribe to an online service.

"The big fear is that as mobile phones become more technologically advanced and more mobile, viruses can be passed on to some of these phones," Mr Neate comments.

According to McAfee's 2008 Mobile Security Report, more than 85 per cent of consumers expressed concern about being targeted by unsolicited content, fraudulent bill increases or information theft.

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