Defending Cell Phones and PDAs Against Attack
By DON CIO Privacy Team - Published, May 1, 2009
As cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) become more technologically advanced, attackers are finding new ways to target victims. By using text messaging or email, an attacker could lure you to a malicious site or convince you to install malicious code on your portable device.
What unique risks do cell phones and PDAs present?
Most current cell phones have the ability to send and receive text messages. Some cell phones and PDAs also offer the ability to connect to the Internet. Although these are features that you might find useful and convenient, attackers may try to take advantage of them. As a result, an attacker may be able to accomplish the following:
- Abuse your service. Most cell phone plans limit the number of text messages you can send and receive. If an attacker spams you with text messages, you may be charged additional fees. An attacker may also be able to infect your phone or PDA with malicious code that will allow them to use your service. Because the contract is in your name, you will be responsible for the charges.
- Lure you to a malicious website. While PDAs and cell phones that give you access to email are targets for standard phishing attacks, attackers are now sending text messages to cell phones. These messages, supposedly from a legitimate company, may try to convince you to visit a malicious site by claiming that there is a problem with your account or stating that you have been subscribed to a service. Once you visit the site, you may be lured into providing personally identifiable information (PII) or downloading a malicious file.
- Use your cell phone or PDA in an attack. Attackers who can gain control of your service may use your cell phone or PDA to attack others. Not only does this hide the real attacker's identity, it allows the attacker to increase the number of targets.
- Gain access to private account information. In some areas, cell phones are becoming capable of performing certain transactions (from paying for parking or groceries to conducting larger financial transactions). An attacker who can gain access to a phone that is used for these types of transactions may be able to discover your account information and use or sell it.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Follow general guidelines for protecting portable devices. Take precautions to secure your cell phone and PDA the same way you should secure your computer.
- Be careful about posting your personal cell phone number and email address. Attackers often use software that browses websites for email addresses. These addresses then become targets for attacks and spam. Cell phone numbers can be collected automatically, too. By limiting the number of people who have access to your information, you limit your risk of becoming a victim.
- Do not follow links sent in email or text messages. Be suspicious of URLs sent in unsolicited email or text messages. While the links may appear to be legitimate, they may actually direct you to a malicious website.
- Be wary of downloadable software. There are many sites that offer games and other software you can download onto your cell phone or PDA. This software could include malicious code. Avoid downloading files from sites that you do not trust. If you are getting the files from a supposedly secure site, look for a website certificate. If you do download a file from a website, consider saving it to your desktop and manually scanning it for viruses before opening it.
- Evaluate your security settings. Make sure that you take advantage of the security features offered on your device. Attackers may take advantage of Bluetooth connections to access or download information on your device. Disable Bluetooth when you are not using it to avoid unauthorized access.
Author: Mindi McDowell, Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization.