Malware Hiding and/or Spreading on Mobile Devices - Book Report/Review Example

 Malware Hiding and/or Spreading On Mobile Devices Question 1(a) aMobile security Use of mobile devices has risen rapidly in the previous years. Many people across the world have thus turned to the devices to run a number of tasks such as playing games, banking transactions and getting the direction to various places. Some organizations and even individuals store some very confidential data n the mobile devices. This paper discusses mobile devices security, the threats n the mobile devices security such as malware and the effects. Malware is software programs that have been specially designed to either damage an individual’s computer perform some other unwanted actions (Jin & Wang, 2013). Question 1 (b) This paper is very significant as it discusses various issues such as the different types of malware, the ways that Malware infection can get into the mobile devices. Most citizens are not sentient that even answering a simple text message can infect their mobile devices with Malware. A new noteworthy role of the paper is that it has made the majority of people to be more cautious when using their mobile devices. The paper has enlightened the public on the various ways that the hackers use to either gain access to their mobile devices in such of confidential information. The paper also gives details about various Malware softwares such as adware, spyware, and Trojan horse. The paper has also explained the differences between the Malware software and the effect that each has on the mobile devices. The spyware gathers information by going through the web browsing history. Trojan steals user delicate data and adware pop-up personal information. Access sites This is the first way that mobile devices can be infected with Malware according to the paper when an individual access a site it can be determined whether the individual enjoys some particular privileges. Some of the privileges may include editing, viewing of profile data, registering and logging in or out. In order to enjoy such privileges, one must key in the username and the passwords. As soon as a mobile device is infected by Malware, hackers can deny the users from accessing their accounts by either deleting or editing of the user login information. Downloads The second way in which mobile devices can be infected with Malware is through downloading of Malware from illegitimate sites. As per most of the researches carried out, this is a major cause though which most mobile devices get infected with Malware. When a mobile device is infected with Malware, the device is not able to boot normally. The hackers can also use Malware to gain access to confidential information. Fake or illegitimate antivirus software Most of the mobile device users are aware of the threats associated with the most types of computer virus and Malware thus many are striving to ensure that the mobile devices they use are not infected. Unfortunately, most of the hackers whose intention is to gain illegal access to the devices have come up with fake antivirus programs. Question 1 (c) Practical information The paper gives a lot of useful information that mobile device users can practice in order to prevent their devices from being attacked by Malware. Some of the useful information provided is not replying sms' from sources that one is not familiar with (Blasco, 2012). Most mobile device users do not bother to the legitimacy of the sites that they visit. In this aspect, many of the mobile device users have either ended up losing confidential information or at times even finances. Thus, the paper is encouraging mobile device users to visit legitimate websites that are secure. Mobile device users should also avoid downloading of illegitimate security software or via USB. Question 2 (a) Removing of any computer virus is not an easy task, this is because most of the times the people who installs them are professionals who also are aware of some of the ways that can be used to remove the virus. The best method to use or steps to use in removing the virus is: 1. Accessing the drive The most convenient time for removing any infection from the computer is when the device is in a dormant state. One of the options but which is not always the best is by booting the device in safe mode. There are some forms of Malware that attach themselves t what is referred to as “win login," these means that if an individual tries to gain access to windows then the virus is automatically loaded onto the device. In order to prevent such happenings the best method to thwart such infections is by creating a BartPE Recovery CD, used to access the infected files. 2. Determination of load points For Malware to cause damage to any device, it needs to be loaded onto the system. Once one has gained safe access to the infected drive, the first task to be carried out is examination of all the start up points (Li et.al, 2014). The list of the startup points can be found on the Auto Start Entry Points Guide. The second task should be backing up of the registry, in case one unintentionally obliterate or changes any genuine setting. 3. Retaking of controls Most of the Malwares virus usually restricts the right of entry to either the task manager or the folder options menu located in windows (Ho & Heng, 2009). After ascertaining, that Malware has been removed manually or by use of an antivirus, one will need to rearrange these settings to take back regular access. Rearranging or changing the key settings may make it difficult for hackers to get right to use to the device. Question 2 (b) When one sees a recycle bin on FAT-32 flash drive there is a reason. Due to this, there is one explanation for such an occurrence, which is the presence of a virus. As a recycle bin should not appear in such a place. Opening the recycle bin to view the contents might activate or launch the virus (Ho & Heng, 2009). Question 2 (c) When a person notices that USB drive icon looks like a folder then there may be a possible presence of a virus. This is mainly caused by a malware that distorts the icons. Question 2 d The best way to deal with the issue is by scanning the system device using an antivirus software, however it is vital to note that not all antivirus software can be able to find the source of such an infection. It is, therefore, advised that one should know the best antivirus software to use (Blasco, 2012). Question 3 Crypto locker mostly targets computers that are running on the Micro soft windows operating system. The malware is spread through e-mail attachments, currently I think it is the worst malware and I do not think of any other way to make the crypto locker’s design any better. Conclusion This paper can be very useful t any person who wants to be acquainted more about the security of their mobile devices, it gives guidelines on how to prevent persona devices from being attacked and as how to deal with the threats associated with Malware and other virus. The immense contribution of this paper will go a long way in helping even the people with limited knowledge about mobile devices security. References Blasco, J. (2012). How to identify and stop mobile malware. Credit Union Times, 23(30), 9. Ho, Y. , & Heng, S. (2009). Mobile and ubiquitous malware. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advances in Mobile Computing and Multimedia, 559-563. Jin, R. , & Wang, B. (2013). Malware detection for mobile devices using software-defined networking. 2013 Second GENI Research and Educational Experiment Workshop, 81-88. Li, Y. , Hui, P. , Jin, D. , Su, L. , & Zeng, L. (2014). Optimal distributed malware defense in mobile networks with heterogeneous devices. IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 13(2), 377-391. Wang, C. , Wu, Z. , Li, X. , Zhou, X. , Wang, A. , et al. (2014). Smartmal: A service-oriented behavioral malware detection framework for mobile devices. Scientific World Journal, 2014, 1-11. Read More