Adware is biggest threat to smartphone security in U.S., report says

Nine out of every thousand smartphones in the U.S. likely have annoying or dangerous ad software installed on the device, according to an analysis by mobile security provider Lookout.

The company said its report is the first one to break down the existence of malicious software in phones by country. “The key takeaway for average users is that while their chances of encountering a mobile threat are relatively low, they can protect themselves by understanding what types of threats are more prevalent in their area,” said Jeremy Linden, Lookout's security product manager. About 56% of American adults own a smartphone, according to a Pew Research survey. Their biggest security worry is the advertising software, or adware, that sometimes comes bundled in apps such as games. It often contributes to poor battery life and might lead to strange pop-ups, toolbars or icons. Linden said adware is commonplace in the Google Play store.