Malware Muddying Mobile Phones - Infographic

A recent investigation conducted by IDC and commissioned by Microsoft indicates that businesses will spend $114 billion in 2013 to deal with malware that was installed through the use of pirated software.

The probability of infection by unexpected malware are one in three for consumers and three in 10 for businesses.

Researchers tested 533 websites and P2P networks offering downloads of counterfeit software, CDs and DVDs. They found tracking cookies and spyware in 78 percent of the cases and Trojans and other malicious adware in 36 percent of the cases. IDC estimates that consumers worldwide will spend 1.5 billion hours this year dealing with malware from counterfeit software.

Cybercriminals also exploit mobile devices. This Muzzling Malware Infographic released by Lifelock indicates that mobile malware increased by 1,200 percent in 2012. Banking and premium-rate SMS fraud are the most prominent forms of malware on mobile devices. Businesses and individuals can protect themselves by becoming educated on malware and using simple precautions to avoid being infected.