Author: Dan Gendro

The Selfmite malware has been spreading its way through smartphones by way of links in text messages.

A new mobile security threat in the form of the Selfmite Android malware has been making the rounds through a malicious link that is being distributed by way of text messages to the contacts on the device user’s list.

This link leads to a rare Android worm that has now been discovered by security researchers.

By the time this Selfmite mobile security threat is installed onto a device, this malware texts 20 contacts from the address book of the smartphone owner. This is a different type of threat from what is usually seen over Android devices, as the majority of those problems are in the form of Trojan apps that do not have their own mechanisms for self propagation. Instead, they are distributed to smartphone and tablet users by way of non-official app stores.

This new mobile security problem is the second threat of this nature that has been discovered in the last 2 months.

This may suggest that the number of malware attacks in the form of worms could be on the rise into the future. The text message that is sent by the Selfmite worm contains the name of the contact, so that it says “Dear [Contact’s Name], Look the Self-time,” and is followed by a URL that has been goo.gl shortened.

This infected link directs the user to an APK file that is called “TheSelfTimerV1.apk”. This Android application file is hosted on a remote server, according to the AdaptiveMobile security firm researchers who identified the threat. If the user chooses to install this APK, then “The self-timer” is placed into the app list.

From that point, it not only spreads itself to 20 contacts through texts from that device, but it also attempts to encourage that device’s user to download and install another file, which is called mobogenie_122141003.apk through their mobile browser.

That is actually a legitimate app called Mobogenie, which gives Android users the chance to synch their devices with their PCs so that they can download applications form an alternative app store. That application has already received over 50 million downloads from Google Play but is heavily promoted through affiliate marketing strategies, which can incentivize fraudulent distribution by unethical individuals willing to use mobile security threats to try to make money.

Research shows on 2% of small businesses are using mobile POS solutions

Despite reports of the meteoric rise of mobile commerce throughout the United Kingdom, the country’s small businesses have yet to show any real enthusiasm for the mobile space. According to new research from the Kalixa Group, only 2% of the UK’s small businesses are making use of mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems. Large businesses, like prolific retail brands, tend to be more accepting of mobile commerce, but smaller companies have yet to see any significant benefit from engaging mobile consumers in an aggressive fashion.

Small businesses may not be able to justify cost of mobile POS

One of the major barriers preventing small businesses from entering into the mobile space is cash flow. Mobile POS solutions allow these businesses to accept mobile payments, but these solutions tend to be somewhat expensive. Small businesses can rarely justify the extra cost of solutions that may not represent a sufficient return on investment. While some studies have shown that mobile consumers are more inclined to spend money when shopping, this may only be the case with larger businesses that offer a wide range of products and not so with specialty retailers and niche businesses.

Companies are opting to focus on digital space rather than support mobile payments

Small businesses are, indeed, interested in engaging mobile consumers, but are not yet willing to embrace mobile payments. Many small businesses are working to bolster their mobile presence by engaging consumers digitally, ensuring that their websites and other digital platforms are mobile friendly. While they are working on engaging mobile consumers on the digital plane, they are also beginning to focus more on mobile security to prepare for a potential future in mobile commerce.

Small businesses concerned about threats of the digital world

Kaliva’s research shows that most small businesses in the United Kingdom are primarily concerned with the security of mobile commerce. Many believe that the mobile space is simply not secure enough, leaving them exposed to significant financial risks. These businesses are beginning to take steps to ensure that they and their customers are sufficiently protected against digital threats.