Online banking, mobile malware on the rise in the holiday season

Holiday shoppers should be aware of a rise in malicious apps and malware designed to steal financial details, according to security experts.

In Trend Micro’s Q3 2013 Security Roundup Report, the firm says that as Christmas once again comes around and consumers rely on Internet-based shopping and online banking, there has been a sizeable uptick in banking malware aimed at the theft of personal and financial details.

In addition, while Apple’s iOS was once considered a safe haven against digital threats, the lucrative market for financial details is fueling an ongoing proliferation of Apple iOS phishing sites.

Within the report, Trend Micro researchers say that after a spike in Q2 — with 5,800 reported iOS phishing site creations in May — 4,100 were detected in June, an additional 1,900 in August and 2,500 in September. This suggests that as consumers continue to purchase iOS-based mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad, a wealth of new iOS users are expected to be targeted through Q4.

SOURCE: zdnet.com