Recent trends in mobile device services reveal that people are shifting their online activities to mobile devices. A study conducted by BIA/Kelsey revealed that mobile online search will overtake desktop search in 2015. No longer will online users default to web surfing on their computers or laptops. People want instant results at any given time, and that is made possible with mobile devices. In addition, a research conducted by Google Mobile Planet Research resulted that an estimated 40 apps are installed on a single smartphone.

The number of mobile online payment transactions is also rising. According to Juniper Research, mobile payments reached $240 billion in 2011 and will grow to $760 billion by 2015.

So what does this all mean from a security standpoint? These trends contribute significantly to your risk of exposure to mobile threats. Cyber criminals are aware of the trends and view them as opportunities. Mobile devices are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals and malware. In addition, mobile devices are vulnerable to theft or loss, which can put you in danger as someone can access your personal information. One way to secure your identity and protect your device from malware attacks is by using a dependable, reputable mobile security application such as McAfee Mobile Security.

How McAfee Handles Recent Malware Outbreaks

The following recent malware threats have exploited mobile devices in a variety of ways. McAfee Mobile Security will protect your identity and device from these new outbreaks:

• Hidden Device Admin App -- A Hidden Device Admin app is an infected application that installs itself with administrator privileges. The app hides itself and you wouldn’t know if this was installed on your device. You can’t remove the app because you simply don’t know that it’s there. However, McAfee Mobile Security can detect hidden applications and will remove them from your device. This feature is free for all Android users.

• Android Master Key Exploit -- This exploit allows a malware creator to spoof the digital certificate of an Android app. Consequently, an attacker can create a Trojan app that mimics a legitimate app. McAfee Mobile Security protects you from this exploit.
• Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Fake App -- The Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Trojan horse app was discovered by McAfee Mobile Security. This Android Trojan horse hides within a pirated copy of the Jay-Z app.

Mobile Global Threat Intelligence

One of McAfee Mobile Security’s many strengths include Mobile Global Threat Intelligence, which performs the following:

• Scans installed apps
• Checks McAfee Trusted Source, powered by GTI
• Malware Inspection
• Ranks apps by level of privacy sensitivity
• Remove suspicious apps with one-click uninstall

McAfee SiteAdvisor Web Protection

You can feel safer surfing the web with these web protection features:

• Blocks malicious websites – Whether you navigated directly to an infected website or through your phone or tablet’s default search engine, McAfee will block access to these sites.
• Blocks risky links -- Many attackers will attempt to trick you into clicking on infected links within SMS, email, and social networking sites.
• Protection against Phishing Sites -- Safeguards against potential phishing sites, browser exploits, and malicious quick response (QR) codes.

Anti-Theft Protection

McAfee Mobile Security provides the following anti-theft protection:

• Locate and track device -- If you misplace your device, you can locate it on a map and send a text to prompt its return.
• Device alarm/scream
• Remote lock and wipe -- If you’re device is lost or stolen, you can protect your privacy by remotely deleting your data on your device and SD card.
• Backup and restore -- You can backup your data on demand or set your backup process on a specific schedule. Use your backup to restore your data on a new device.
• Manage your security in the cloud -- You can manage your mobile security through a web portal or by SMS text using any smartphone or tablet.

Malware Security

McAfee Mobile Security’s antivirus protection provides the following features:

• Scans apps, files, SD cards and Internet downloads for malware.
• Safeguards against viruses, worms, botnets, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
• Processes are light on resources and battery life.

McAfee Basic and Premium Offerings

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you will receive from the basic and premium offerings:

• Basic -- free for all Android users:
  • Remote mobile device management
  • Backup/Restore contacts
  • Locate and Alarm
  • 24/7 Free Tech Support
• Premium -- $29.99 for 1-year subscription -- includes all features from the Basic offerings plus the following:
  • Backup Photos/Videos
  • Lock and Wipe
  • Real-time malware/PUP protection
  • Safe browsing
  • App Privacy and Trust Report
  • Multi-User App Profiles -- You’re able to restrict access to your apps by using one of three profiles provided by the App Profile feature. The App Profile features enables you to create safe zones for your kids and family, friends, or even a stranger. You have full control of what apps others are able to see on your device.
  • App Lock -- Lock your apps containing your sensitive content to protect your privacy.
  • Call/SMS Filter -- Block unwanted calls, numbers, and texts.

Last but not least…

July 2013’s AV Test Product Review and Certification Report honored McAfee Mobile Security with an AV Test 100% score for AV detection battery performance and usability. After using this product, I recommend using McAfee Mobile Security as it will enhance your mobile device’s protection from malware threats and will protect your privacy and identity.