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Researchers warn of mobile phone cyber crime potential

Cyber crooks may soon turn to mobile phones in their quest to spread malware and cause online security mischief, researchers say.

According to security researchers from Georgia Tech, the trend where cyber crooks hijack computers and turn them into zombies that are then turned to launch thousands of attacks is likely to spread to mobile phones.

The researchers say this is especially possible because technological developments are increasingly turning the devices in to powerful mini computers with fast internet connections, which could open a new platform for cyber crooks.

This is because cyber crooks can capitalise on vulnerabilities in mobile-phone operating systems and compromise them then programme them to call premium pay numbers or even buy ringtones from companies set up by the crooks.

Having antivirus software in mobiles is impractical at the moment, which could make it even more convenient for the crooks as is the fact that the devices are generally always on, which is a perfect set up for continuous cyber crime activity.

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