Nokia malware report reveals new all-time high in mobile device infections and major IoT device security vulnerabilities
March 27 2017 - 3:02AM
- Mobile device malware infection rates increased steadily in
2016, reaching an all-time high
- Smartphones hit hardest: infections rose nearly 400 percent in
2016, and accounted for 85 percent of all mobile device infections
in the second half of 2016
- Massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks revealed
urgent need for improved Internet of Things (IoT) device
security
27 March 2017
Espoo, Finland - Nokia today issued its latest Threat
Intelligence Report, revealing a new all-time high in mobile
device malware infections, a sharp increase in compromised
smartphones and major IoT device security vulnerabilities.
Issued twice per year, the Nokia Threat Intelligence Report
examines general trends and statistics for infections in devices
connected through mobile and fixed networks around the world.
The latest report revealed a steady increase in mobile device
infections throughout 2016, with malware striking 1.35 percent of
all mobile devices in October - the highest level seen since
reporting started in 2012. The report also revealed a surge of
nearly 400 percent in smartphone malware attacks in 2016.
Smartphones were the most-targeted devices in the second half of
the year, accounting for 85 percent of all mobile device
infections.
While Android(TM)-based smartphones and tablets continued to be
the primary targets, reflecting the prevalence of the operating
system worldwide, iOS-based devices also suffered attacks in the
second half of the year, primarily by Spyphone surveillance
software that tracks users' calls, text messages, social media
applications, web searches, GPS locations and other activities.
The Threat Intelligence Report also exposed major
vulnerabilities in the rapidly expanding universe of IoT devices,
underscoring the need for the industry to re-evaluate its IoT
deployment strategies to ensure these devices are securely
configured, managed and monitored.
Kevin McNamee, head of the Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab,
said: "The security of IoT devices has become a major
concern. The Mirai botnet attacks last year demonstrated how
thousands of unsecured IoT devices could easily be hijacked to
launch crippling DDoS attacks. As the number and types of IoT
devices continue to proliferate, the risks will only increase.
Nokia's network-based security can help address this growing threat
by detecting activity before a DDoS attack occurs, enabling service
providers to take corrective actions that mitigate the impact."
Key findings of the latest Nokia Threat Intelligence Report
include:
- Mobile device infection rate continues to climb: The
overall infection rate increased 63 percent in the second half of
2016, compared to the first half of the year.
- New all-time high: The mobile device infection rate rose
steadily throughout 2016, reaching 1.35 percent in October (vs.
1.06 percent in April 2016) - the highest level recorded since the
study started in 2012.
- Smartphones the top target: Smartphones were the top
malware targets by far, accounting for 85 percent of all mobile
device infections in the second half of 2016. Smartphone infections
increased 83 percent during this period compared to the first half
of the year (0.90 percent vs 0.49 percent), and increased nearly
400 percent in 2016.
- Major IoT device vulnerabilities: In late 2016, the
Mirai botnet assembled an army of compromised IoT devices to launch
three of the largest DDoS attacks in history, including an assault
that took down many high-profile web services. These attacks
underscored the urgent requirement for more robust security
capabilities to protect IoT devices from future attacks and
exploitation.
- Malware seeks a bite out of Apple: Android-based devices
continue to be the primary target for malware attacks (81 percent).
However, iOS and other mobile devices were also targeted in the
second half of the year (4 percent).
- Decrease in Windows/PC infections: Windows/PC systems
accounted for 15 percent of malware infections in the second half
of 2016, down from 22 percent in the first half of the year.
- Fixed network infections continue decline: The monthly
infection rate in residential fixed broadband networks averaged
10.7 percent in the second half of 2016, down from 12 percent in
the first half, and down from 11 percent in late 2015. While
moderate threat level adware activity decreased in the second half
of 2016, high-level threats (e.g., bots, rootkits, keyloggers and
banking Trojans) remained steady at approximately six percent.
The Nokia Threat Intelligence Report aggregates data from
deployments of the Nokia NetGuard Endpoint Security (NES)
network-based anti-malware solution. NES analyzes traffic patterns
from within service provider networks for evidence of malware
infections in more than 100 million devices worldwide, including
mobile phones, laptops, notepads and a broad range of IoT
devices.
NES is much more efficient than traditional antivirus software,
as it cannot be disabled and protects mobile and fixed network
devices without requiring any on-board security software. It
enables service providers to deliver superior protection while
providing valuable insights to better manage and maintain the
security of their networks.
Resources
- Nokia Threat Intelligence Report - H2 2016
- Website: Nokia NetGuard Endpoint Security
Connect with Nokia:
- Subscribe to receive information on specific areas of
interest
- Website
- Blog
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Periscope
- YouTube
- Glassdoor
About the Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab
The Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab focuses on the behavior of
malware network communications to develop detection rules that
identify infections based on command and control communication and
other network behavior. This approach enables the detection of
malware in the service provider's network, and the detection rules
developed form the foundation of Nokia's NetGuard product
suite.
About NokiaNokia is a global leader innovating the
technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the
research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications
service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers,
with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of
products, services and licensing.
From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of
Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital
health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the
human experience. www.nokia.com
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.; IOS is a trademark or
registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries;
Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
Media Enquiries:Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10
448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com
Nokia (NYSE:NOK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Nokia (NYSE:NOK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024