Internet security technology firm Bitdefender has announced its partnership with the CyberSecMonth initiative, which is supported by Europol and ENISA, to raise awareness of mobile cyber-threats and their devastating consequences.
As part of the drive to fight mobile cybercrime, Bitdefender will give all registered users access to cutting-edge defense against mobile threats from 24 November to 28 November, making Bitdefender Mobile Security available for download free of charge to protect mobile devices for six months. Bitdefender's Android security app offers malware protection, minimal performance impact and robust privacy protection while incorporating Android Wear watches into the app's anti-theft features.
The CyberSecMonth campaign takes place every October to make citizens conscious of cybersecurity threats, promote cybersecurity, and provide up-to-date security information. CyberSecMonth is growing in importance every year as the number of mobile threats steadily rises, prompted by growing penetration of mobile devices and apps and price drops that allow more consumers to buy smartphones and tablets.
“CyberSecMonth is a much appreciated initiative that we fully support, and that fits perfectly with our core mission, in a world where mobile malware has caused significant losses and even human casualties,” said Catalin Cosoi, Bitdefender’s chief security strategist. “Since 2001, Bitdefender’s mission has been to earn people’s trust – from families to the world’s largest corporations – and to ensure best protection and best performance simultaneously.”
Bitdefender’s statistics show the Android ransomware accounts for almost half of all mobile malware reported by infected devices in H1 2016 in Denmark, and a quarter in Germany. Australia came third, with 21.54%, while the UK scored 16.48%. In the United States, ransomware accounted for 16%. Android ransomware samples usually lock out users and demand payment to unlock devices.