Mobile Malware | Wireless Protocol | Threats and Prevention

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A elemental defense against numerous forms of malware is to turn off Bluetooth (a wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications) , WiFi (wireless local area network) , infrared, and other wireless interfaces until they’re required.

This is especially crucial for devices that utilize a wireless communications protocol using short-range communications ( for instance:Bluetooth) attributable the increased risk of encountering mobile malware in crowded settings, such as an airport, sports event, or concert, which provide a target-rich environment for an attack.

Being hidden prevents the device from being scanned and located, and its wireless interface utilized as an avenue of attack. Disabling a wireless interface as well has the benefit of extending the battery life of the device.

Automatic connections to cellular data services such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) should be turned off when not in utilization. Staying offline avoids malware infections and may as well prevent an infected device from transmitting information from the phone to other parties. A phone automatically connecting via GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) may as well be an indication that the phone is infected with malware trying to spread itself.

If required for some function, the Bluetooth wireless interface should be set in discoverable mode only temporarily, until pairing with another device is finished. This measure serves to avoid discovery attempts by malware trying to spread itself, although brute force methods can deduce and query the address in some implementations.

Where achievable, Bluetooth settings should be configured to give notice to the user of incoming connection requests and to obtain confirmation before proceeding.

Device pairing should be executed outside of public places, preferably in areas that are radio isolated, to prevent monitoring and recording exchanges over the air and using them to regenerate security keys needed to eavesdrop. Utilizing a long stochastic PIN (Personal Identification Number) is as well suggested to complicate the computations necessitated in certain attacks.

Because short-range wireless technology (for instance: Bluetooth) keys typically reside on paired devices, those devices should be password secured to defend against lost, stolen, or compromised units. As an extra measure, specifying a list of known trustworthy devices with which the device can connect thru short-range wireless technology (example: Bluetooth) should be possible.

If realizable, configure Bluetooth to utilize the lowest power setting required for the connection. Adjusting power lower helps reduce the likelihood of an attack from long range.



20 Responses to “Mobile Malware | Wireless Protocol | Threats and Prevention”

1. Akesh says:

   What is Mobile IP ?
2. admin says:

   Mobile IP it is a technology that makes possible for your wireless device (smartphone,pda) to retain its own distinct IP address and identity no matter where you take it or what network it is connected to.
3. Ken says:

   interesting post
4. P. Silva says:

   a very good article about Mobile Malware – Curb Wireless Interfaces
5. adrien says:

   Great article, will keep me busy for the weekend!
6. George says:

   I was thinking/planning to learn about mobile security for several months, just had no time and enough motivation to actually start it.
7. Neha says:

   Thanks for the great stuff.
8. Ubex says:

   very interesting …
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19. Anex says:

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20. Ribery says:

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22. Kamy says:

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