Anti-Virus on Mobile Devices

As the mobile computing platform becomes more and more ubiquitous, it is inevitable that we'll start to see malware/spyware/viruses and other nasty things that used to be limited to the realm of PCs start to appear on these devices. It is interesting to me that we are seeing these appear in much the same way that they did when the PC moved from the realm of "geekdom" into the living rooms of suburbia, it's starting with screensaver and wallpaper apps.

So, it is time to start seriously considering using an anti-virus/anti-malware application on your mobile device. There are quite a few to choose from, on the Android platform I am partial to Lookout, and on the iPhone Intego (if you're running a Mac).

Apple will argue that their platform is more secure because they keep their app store "locked down", however a few programs have managed to slip under their radar, so I'm not sure how comfortable one should be with relying solely on Apple to protect your device.

The Android marketplace is more open than Apple's store, however it provides you with a lot of information about what the applications are going to access... if you download a new wallpaper and it is accessing your IM and GPS, maybe you should think twice. While paying attention to what you're installing provides you some protection, there's really no reason not to install a virus scanner on your Android phone, it's free!

So keep in mind that your "cell phone" is no longer just a phone, it's a mobile computing platform that should be just as protected as your laptop or desktop computer. Pay attention to what you're installing and what it has access to, and take the same precautions that you would when installing software on your computer, and you'll be in good shape!

Still Waiting to Upgrade Internet Explorer?

Microsoft: IE8 barred 1 billion malware downloads | The Digital Home - CNET News

Perhaps the above article will help convince you...

If Microsoft's marketing bombardment pleading with people to upgrade their Internet Explorer to the latest version has fallen on deaf ears in your house, you may be interested to know that according to Microsoft the latest version of their browser has blocked over 1 billion malware downloads with the SmartScreen filter.

I have always recommended taking a "multiple vendor" approach to computer security. I'm a firm believer that you don't let the fox guard the coop, however I do know that in some networks (especially Windows shops) it isn't really possible to deploy another browser. So if you find yourself in a position where you simply must install Internet Explorer, I'd highly recommend running IE 8 over any other version as it is, in my experience, the most stable and secure version of the Microsoft offering.

Surf safe!

Microsoft Patch Day - Tuesday July 13

Microsoft has announced that it will be releasing four critical patches next Tuesday. One of these addresses the help file issue that I mentioned in an earlier post.

Be sure to set aside some time on Tuesday evening to install these patches.

Facebook Exploit in the Wild

There's a "virus" going around on Facebook right now, and it seems to have spread rather quickly. A link to a website will be "liked" (recommended) by someone on your friends list. The link says "The Shocking Tattoo That Got This Girl's Parents Arrested" and the link appears to take you to a Blogger page. Embedded on that blogger page is a redirect that exploits the "like" button feature and adds this link to your Facebook profile.

I've been unable to find any official release from Facebook regarding this exploit, however I have seen people recommending that once you see this link on your profile you remove it, change your Facebook password, and run a full virus scan. While this advice couldn't hurt, I think it's overkill, it's unlikely that this type of exploit would compromise your password or your computer system, most likely just removing the recommendation or "un-liking" the link will suffice.

If Facebook releases anything on this, I'll update this post.