Smartphone Malware Infections Jumped Significantly in First Half, Says Nokia

Smartphone malware infections rose 96 percent in 2016's first half vs. the same 2015 period, reaching an all-time high in April, Nokia said in a Thursday report. Android devices “were the most targeted mobile platform by far,” with 74 percent of all mobile malware infections, it said. "Attackers are targeting a broader range of applications and platforms, including popular mobile games and new IoT devices, and developing more sophisticated and destructive forms of malware. Nokia's network-based security solution is the best approach to address this growing threat to all types of devices. It detects and prevents malware activity that device-based solutions may miss." On the new sophistication in malware, new variations of threats “attempt to root the phone in order to provide complete control and establish a permanent presence on the device,” Nokia said.