Communications of the ACM
Researchers Discover Dangerous Ways Computer Worms Are Spreading Among Smartphones
Some of the most common activities among smartphone users can leave the devices vulnerable to harmful "computer worms."
Credit: Syracuse University
Syracuse University researchers have found that some of the most common activities among smartphone users can leave devices vulnerable to computer worms.
The researchers say the worms can infiltrate smartphones through apps designed in a specific computer language, and they can spread to the owner's personal contacts. "These attacks target an increasingly popular type of app known as HTML5-based app," says Syracuse University professor Kevin Du. "Once the worm takes control, it can duplicate itself, and send copies to your friends via SMS messages, multimedia file sharing, and other methods."
He notes so far they have identified 14 vulnerable HTML5-based apps from three types of mobile systems, including Android, iOS, and Blackberry.
The researchers currently are developing solutions to help users and app developers detect and prevent such attacks. "We are launching a large-scale search in the Google Play market and expect to find more vulnerable apps," Du says. "By 2016, it's estimated that more than 50 percent of the mobile apps will be produced using HTML5 technology."
From Syracuse University
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