As mobile phones are becoming increasingly more advanced, consumers are making use of being able to access their email or bank accounts on the move. With many of today’s mobile phones coming closer to miniature computers than traditional phones the need for tougher security has never been stronger.

There is an alarming amount of viruses and Trojans that are infecting phones, which is why a number of anti-virus companies are now making software to protect people’s phones as well as their personal computers.

Even though the threat of mobile viruses is larger than many are aware, it pales in comparison to that of mobile spying tools. Such tools are usually invisible once installed and are able to report every phone call, text message and email amongst other things.

A popular example of such software is available to download from a website based in Bangkok. Using this software a user is able to install the software on someone else’s phone, which then becomes invisible to the main user. They are then able to log into the software’s website and view reports of all calls, text messages and emails sent and received on the phone.

Even more frightening, if the phone is equipped with GPS then the remote user is able to track the phones exact location, nearly anywhere on the planet. Also, it is possible to listen into the users calls, and remotely activate the phones microphone and listen into non-call activity.

Thankfully, the software cannot be installed remotely nor is it self replicating, therefore a user must have access to your phone before they are able to install the software.

Also, even though the software is not classed as a virus, it is considered by many security companies to be spyware and is therefore picked up by their spyware detectors.

By: Liam Gerken