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Company News
Nearly 90 percent of all mobile phones and Pocket PCs have no virus protection
Mon, 13 August 2007
Avira examines the dangers and awareness of digital pests on mobile devices in an international security survey.
Tettnang, 13. August 2007 – Approximately one in five Pocket PC or mobile phone users have never heard about viruses on mobile devices according to an online survey carried out by Avira. Under the motto “Be honest...” the security expert analyzed the awareness of IT-dangers on mobile devices of the visitors to the websites www.free-av.de and www.free-av.com. In June, the popular producer of AntiVir wanted to know if mobile phones and pocket PCs are protected with anti-virus software. Altogether 867 users stated their point of view about possible virus infections on their mobile phone or Pocket PC via MMS or while downloading ring tones.
Only 11 percent of respondents stated that they protect their mobile device with antivirus software. According to the survey 27 percent think that mobile viruses do pose a threat, but they don’t know anything about the preventive measures. 12 percent think that the risk potential is harmless – they think a virus infection does not pose any significant harm to mobile devices. The remaining 28 percent think that such scenarios are merely fear mongering and they don’t think it is necessary to take any steps to protect their device.
Tjark Auerbach, founder and CEO of Avira considers that this approach is daring: “We should not underestimate this situation, although we can’t compare the amount of viruses in the wild on mobile devices to those on PCs.” According to the security expert the danger comes from two sides: “On one hand the users can get infected while installing software on their mobile phone. Malware can, for instance, overwrite important system files from the internal flash memory so that the device can’t be used any longer. On the other hand, hackers often zero it on the communication channels of pocket PCs and smartphones.” A particular example are dialers that disguise as a supposedly cost-saving WAP-Surf-Tool, but they connect to expensive SMS senders. Damage can also originate if computers or networks get infected with digital pests while connecting to mobile end-device through an infected MMC module card.
The experts at Avira see an increasing number of criminal attacks: As mobile phones and pocket PCs are increasingly equipped with multimedia functions, they automatically become more and more attractive for the malware writers. If you want to be sure you should get virus protection for your mobile device and pocket PC. The solutions available on the market are good value and compatible with all current models. The software can be used immediately after installation and has little impact on the performance of the mobile device.
The current survey of the month is about : To whom would you like to send a really mean virus via email to paralyze his computer? You can participate at www.free-av.de.
About Avira
Avira is a worldwide leading supplier of self-developed security solutions for professional and private use. With more than twenty years of experience, the company is one of the pioneers in this field.
The security expert has several locations in Germany and partnerships in Europe, Asia and America. At its headquarters in Tettnang near Lake Constance, Avira is one of the region’s largest employers with more than 180 employees. Worldwide more than 250 persons are employed and their work regularly wins awards. Avira AntiVir Personal, used by millions of private users, represents a significant contribution to security.
Avira’s national and international customers include renowned corporations listed on the stock exchange but also educational institutions and public authorities. In addition to protection of the virtual environment, Avira also provides for more protection and security in the real world by supporting the Auerbach Foundation. Established by the founder of the company, the Auerbach Foundation promotes charitable and social projects as well as the arts, culture and science.
Company Contact:
Juliane Brielmaier
Avira GmbH
Lindauer Str. 21
D-88069 Tettnang
Telefon: +49 (0) 7542-500 252
Telefax: +49 (0) 7542-525 10
Email: presse@avira.de
Press Contact:
Elisabeth Rothbart
LEWIS Global PR
Baierbrunner Str. 15
D-81379 München
Telefon: +49 (0) 89 1730 19 33
Telefax: +49 (0) 89 1730 19 99
Email: avira@lewispr.com
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