It has been reported that the online marketplace has spent tens of millions on the LBE Security Master app.
The massive Chinese online shopping marketplace, Alibaba, has reportedly send tens of millions of dollars in funds into the LBE Security Master smartphone and tablet antivirus tool in order to be able to make a stronger presence within that industry.
The LBE Security Master is a HIPS Android app that found its beginning as an online discussion.
HIPS stands for host intrusion prevention system. It is an installed type of package of software that monitors a single host through the use of any of a number of different kinds of methods of detection. It can then identify suspicious activity through the analysis of the events that are occurring in that host. This mobile security app got started as a Meizu forum group discussion.
This mobile security app can be used by smartphones to locate problems in real time.
LBE Security Master has managed to create an adaptation of a mobile antivirus engine (the AVL) SDK for smartphones so that a monitor is in place for real time spotting of newly discovered spyware, adware, and malware.
The company has a number of different products within its portfolio, including the LBE Security Master, but also privacy space, one click root, and management of authentication. The latest version of the product also includes a privacy management function feature for near field communication (NFC).
Alibaba and this company reportedly have the intention of rolling out the distribution platform, the Taobao Mobile Helper app, so that they will be able to create a mobile payments product which will be developed as the Alipay Wallet. All of the top local internet companies have come up with their own mobile security services that will provide for that sector. For instance, the Baidu Phone Protector was just launched by Baidu for what appears to be a relatively similar purpose. Alibaba looks to be working to keep on top of this trend so that it will be a part of leading the way instead of falling behind and losing its position in very important areas.
Cybercriminals are not missing their opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting smartphone users.
This year, there has been a very large increase in the amount of shopping that is being conducted over smartphones, from price comparisons to actual purchases, and with this trend has come a rise in mobile commerce security issues that are leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many shoppers.
Many companies are now releasing advice and tips to help shoppers to stay safe and to protect their sensitive data.
Among those releasing mobile commerce security support information is McAfee. In fact, that company has recently produced its 12 scams of Christmas to help to underscore the importance of this problem and to alert consumers as to some of the most common forms of fraud. This can help shoppers to know what action to take to help to protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminals this year.
Malware is causing mobile commerce security issues from a broad range of different sources.
According to McAfee, the biggest scams from the year include the following:
• Shopping apps that look as though they are official – especially those that come with company or celebrity endorsements, but that are meant for stealing or sharing personal information.
• Holiday SMS text messages – many carry a FakeInstaller malicious code that fool an Android device user into thinking that it is a real app installer, except that this then sends out premium rate texts from the device.
• Too good to be true gift ads – clicking on offers that are far too good to be true can install malware into the device.
• Fake seasonal travel deals – when these links are used, hackers wait for private data to be entered so that it can be stolen.
• Fake e-cards and greetings – false but real looking e-cards can install viruses and malware when opened.
• Deceptive online games – these primarily target younger users, promising full versions of popular games, installing viruses and malware when downloaded.
• Fake shipping notifications – shipping updates that appear to be from popular retailers contain malware released when opened.
• False gift cards – promoted by way of deceptive social media ads.
• Holiday SMiShing – through messages where the cybercriminal poses as a credit card company or bank and requests financial data for security purposes.
• Fake charities – asking for donations though the funds won’t go to the designated cause.
• Romance and friendship scams – messages pretending to be from known individuals but that eventually request usernames, passwords, credit card information and others.
• False online retailers – McAfee revealed earlier this year that this mobile commerce security issue affects one in five online consumers, including those using smartphones.
