Conficker Not Targeting Microsoft Windows Mobile Devices
Conficker Not Targeting Microsoft Windows Mobile Devices Author: Eric Everson, MyMobiSafe
With the digital security world buzzing today due to the recent mutations of the infamous Conficker virus, many mobile users are concerned that their Windows Mobile handset could be in jeopardy too. The reality is that this Conficker scare is actually just computer-based and so far we haven’t been able to identify any mobile-based variants that allow this threat to bleed into the mobile industry.
Despite the advances in sophistication that the Windows Mobile Operating System has undergone, the reality is that the computer-based Windows environment remains much more robust. This differentiation leaves Windows Mobile devices much less at risk for this type of attack. What many media outlets have done to create awareness has actually created an environment of confusion for many users. At a high level while you do not want your system to get infected by the Conficker virus, it’s not a malware designed to destroy your computer either.
Overall, this malware has been designed to create a gateway between your computer and those behind Conficker so that an environment conducive to spamming and data theft is established. This is nothing like the viruses of days past that are completely malicious in nature and destroy everything in their path. Conficker to most digital security experts marks a new shift in the sophistication and direction of mobile malware. Rather than creating destructive havoc, the Conficker platform is more specifically designed to create a “black market” tool for e-commerce. Unfortunately the very existence of Conficker confirms the reality of that hackers stand to make significant profit by developing tools that target your digital information.
While a number of threats do attempt to exploit vulnerabilities within the Windows Mobile environment, so far Conficker is not a threat that mobile users should fear. As Windows Mobile can be a cornerstone of small businesses on the go, it seems that for now Conficker is one less thing to worry about. I appreciate the flood of emails on the topic and I’ll try my best to reply to everyone as soon as I can. The interest in this threat from a mobile industry perspective sheds new light on the importance of the mobile environment of digital security. I expect to see many of the digital security companies gain a renewed interest in mobile as a result of this high-profile security threat.
As always, I’m working to keep you informed on the latest developments in mobile security. Feel free to post your comments or send me email… on a day like this I’ll do my best to keep my Inbox from getting too backlogged.
Your mobile security guru, Eric E – The MobileTech
Eric Everson – Founder MyMobiSafe.com
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.