The number of unique malware variants targeting mobile devices skyrocketed by 2,180 per cent in just one year, a new study has found.
The increase was recorded by ABI Research between the first quarter of2011 and the second quarter of 2012, as reported in our source storyfrom PC Advisor (UK).
That’s depressing news for all mobile device users out there.But the proliferation of malware aimed at mobile devices is also givingthe security sector a massive boost. More than 130 billion mobilesecurity apps have been downloaded to date, ABI estimates.
If only mobile security were thiseasy. As ABI statistics show, it’s not. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The global market for mobile application security will hit almost $400million by the end of this year, according to ABI’s calculations. Thefirm said that figure includes revenues for paid apps, partnershipswith manufacturers and operators, white label deals, and dataset sales.
The dizzying number of mobile security apps out there means consumershave an increasing number of options to choose from when trying toprotect their smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices. Thechallenge is wading through them all to select the most effective one,PC Advisor (UK)suggests.
ABI does provide its picks on which mobile security vendors arestanding out from the crowd as the market niche evolves. It lists AVGTechnologies, Lookout and Avast Software as some of the best makers ofsoftware to protect against malware, theft and privacy breaches.
ABI’s top vendor picks for mobile security innovation are Lookout, Dr.Web andTrustGo. For implementation of viable long-term solutions, ABI giveskudos to Kaspersky Lab, Ikarus and McAfee.