A “major vulnerability” has been discovered within the web surfing software of Google’s Android, BlackBerry’s Playbook OS and Apple’s iOS – all of which utilise a common web layout engine that allows html and xml as well as CSS coding to be translated and relayed faithfully onto a mobile-based browser.
This coding is embedded into the web browsing software of our most popular mobile operating systems, but a security firm called CrowdStrike has noticed that a large number of our handsets could be struck by an attack by malware which could open our gadgets up to a number of privacy breaches, including viewing what we photograph, listening in to calls, copying emails and recording our location. Windows Phone & owners need not worry, as the WebKit software is not included in its web browser.
George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike says “We believe that this scenario is happening today. It’s happening on mobile devices.” CrowdStrike will make its findings known in full at a presentation at the RSA Conference later today, an event which highlights the ever-growing issues of mobile and internet safety.
Exact details of the vulnerability and malware are scarce at the moment, but as always the Gadget Helpline would advise a bit of caution regarding the stuff you touch on while web browsing with your smartphone.
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