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MSNBC.com:

Security experts predict 2012 will be a breakthrough year for cyber-attacks on smartphones. There are now enough of these mobile computers in use to make them an inviting target.

“Shopping and mobile banking are things that are going to leave a trail and contain lots of goodies that criminals can go after,” says Rachel Ratcliff Womack with the digital security firm Stroz Friedberg.

In addition to all of your personal information, you probably have business email and contacts on your phone.

“It brings those two worlds together in a very convenient package for criminals to target,” Womack says. 

Not only are they loaded with all sorts of personal information a crook would like to steal, most smartphones are also completely unprotected. 

The subject of malicious cell phone attacks has been greatly hyped the last few years. But during 2011 it became clear that this is a real threat that must be taken seriously. 

Stroz Friedberg Attorney Rachel Ratcliff Womack in MSNBC.com story

....

You also need to be careful about the apps you install. Think before you download. Check reviews. Be skeptical. 

“Stick with the major apps and the major app stores,” advises Rachel Ratcliff Womack. 

If you go to Amazon or the iTunes store, your chances of getting malware are relatively low, but still possible. You run a greater risk at the Android Market.

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/05/9955595-smartphone-hacking-will-rise-in-2012-experts-warn

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