McAfee Proclaims iPhones A Security Threat

Expect
your iPhone and iPad to be targeted by malicious hackers! At least
that’s what McAfee says. The company has just made this jaw-dropping
assertion in a release via its Web site. McAfee specifically calls out
dubious activities such as checking in virtually via location-based
services, tweeting links with shortened URLs, and otherwise having a
social media presence online. Apparently evil-doers have now
identified these Internet platforms, devices, and mobile software apps
as being legitimate targets. Of course, this should not come as a real
shocker to anyone who’s owned any technology within the past decade. The
first threat is the growing use of shortened URLs which, according to
McAfee, makes it easier for scamming sites to mask exactly where their
links are pointing, be it a delivery system for viruses or fake banks
after your private account info. McAfee also warns that location-aware
services such as FaceBook and Foursquare broadcast an unprecedented
level of your personal data like exact physical whereabouts and what
your interests are; essentially a stalker’s dream. Also on the list of
concerns is the cellular infrastructure as a whole which McAfee calls
“fragile” and lacking much in the way of encryption. Another
legitimate concern is how your trusted friends can infect you if they
themselves have been compromised. Before you run and throw your
Apple or Android device in the trash, consider these helpful and time
honored suggestions. The Internet is a public place, and like any
location open to the masses, you should be aware of what you say and
do. You probably wouldn’t post a sign on your front lawn announcing
that no one’s home for two weeks. Neither would you count your
Benjamins in the middle of Times Square. The same goes for your
sensitive personal business. Sure, that’s getting hard in these days of
Twitter and Facebook updates, but a little restraint goes a long way. For
some pointers, the Federal Trade Commission has outlined tips plus
links to other helpful sites and resources. Of course, the old street
smarts apply: only Friend folks you know and, if it sounds like spam,
it probably is. To the weirdos on Twitter asking us to click odd links
or talk late at night because you’re lonely: no thanks, pal