Handheld Device Security

ALSO CALLED: Mobile Device Security, Wireless Handheld Device Security, Enterprise Device Security, Handheld Security, Device Security, PDA Security, and Wireless Data Security
DEFINITION: SMiShing is a security attack in which the user is tricked into downloading a Trojan horse, virus or other malware onto his cellular phone or other mobile device. SMiShing is short for "SMS phishing." David Rayhawk, senior researcher at McAfee Avert Labs, explains how SMiShing works in a blog post entitled 'SMiShing - an emerging threat vector:'"Some cell phone users have started receiving SMS messages  … 
Definition continues below.

HANDHELD DEVICE SECURITY DEFINITION (continued): …  along these lines: 'We're confirming you've signed up for our dating service. You will be charged $2/day unless you cancel your order: www.smishinglink.com.' (This is an example and was not a real url at the time of writing)This phenomena, which we at McAfee Avert Labs are dubbing "SMiShing" (phishing via SMS), is yet another indicator that cell phones and mobile devices are becoming increasingly used by perpetrators of malware, viruses and scams.While some might recognize this as a scam, many unsuspecting users would not. Fearful of incurring premium rates on their cell phone bill, they visit … 
Handheld Device Security definition sponsored by SearchMobileComputing.com, powered by WhatIs.com an online computer dictionary