Smartphones Ripe for Privacy Violations

Malware targeting smartphones has been in the news a bit recently, thanks to some Windows snafus. But did you ever stop to think that the really scary thing about smartphones, according to security folk, is all your lovely data aboard 'em?

Professionals involved in defending the more typical desktop computing environment against viral and malware attacks actually aren't as worried about the mini computers we're all hauling around in our cramped jeans pockets. This is despite recent concerns about a Trojan app for Windows Mobile devices called 3D Anti Terrorist and a worm that infected jailbroken iPhones a little while ago. The smartphone platform is typically closed, and in Apple's case only approved apps are allowed onto the device (unless you jailbreak the phone) so there's pretty much zero chance you'll "catch" a virus that may spirit away your passwords or bank account details to a malicious Chinese or Zimbabwean criminal in the same way as happens for desktop PCs.