Kaspersky Lab: Multiple Platform Security now a critical requirement

But what percentage of these users have thought about security for these devices?

Says Alexander Erofeev, head of Strategic Marketing and Brand Communication at Kaspersky Lab; "Smartphones, tablet devices and top-of-the-range notebooks are making both personal and business lives of many individuals much easier today, hence the reason why such devices are ultimate sellers! It is only a natural progression that users are pursing such devices as they offer an abundance of opportunity, especially for those constantly on the move. However, using multiple devices requires a multiple security platform as protecting ones PC only in this case is no longer enough. In line with this, Kaspersky Lab has recently released Kaspersky ONE, a multi-platform, user-centric Universal Security solution that brings comprehensive protection for the wide range of personal devices, starting from personal computers and notebooks and all the way to smartphones and tablets - exactly what is needed to simply security in today's complex and multiple device environment, is it not?"

Multiple exposures to threats

Multiple devices are used every day to access the Internet and with this comes the possibility of being exposed to potential security threats, malware and viruses. In fact, in August 2010, Kaspersky Lab identified the first Trojan for the Android platform, which masqueraded as a media player app. In less than a year, Android malware quickly exploded and became the most popular mobile malware category out there. This trend then became obvious in Q3 of 2011, in which Kaspersky Lab discovered over 40% of all the mobile malware they saw in 2011. Finally, critical mass was hit in November 2011 when they uncovered over 1000 malicious samples for Android, which is almost as many as all the mobile malware the company has discovered in the past six years!

Further to this, with the syncing abilities that these devices offer, viruses can cross pollinate from one device to another, in essence affecting all devices - causing major problems and serious security risks. "The reality today is that reliable protection is needed for all Internet-enabled devices, as the data stored across these devices needs to be protected. Security can no longer be seen as only a multi-layered approach, but also needs to be seen as a multi-platform one - ensuring that all aspects, and of course, all devices, are secure," adds Erofeev.

No matter what the platform is, beware

The belief that only Windows systems need to be protected can be laid to rest. It may be true that there is less malware for various alternative platforms, however real threats that are entirely unrelated to the given operating system are still very much an issue. Cyber criminals are out to make big money no matter the platform or device being used. The lowest common denominator of all these devices is Internet access.

"The diversity of traditional hardware and smart mobile devices is fast leading the industry to the realisation of the need for multi-platform security and device users need to pay attention to the universal security required for these devices, whether in an individual, family, or business setting. These devices need to be protected today to ensure the safety and protection of personal information and data for tomorrow," concludes Erofeev.

*This survey was conducted by an independent research company O+K for Kaspersky Lab, among Internet users in 20 countries all over the world in several waves during the year 2011. In the last wave, conducted in October 2011, 7000 users participated. In South Africa, 273 users participated.