Smartphone users phishing for trouble

Mobile device users are most likely victims of email scams

Smartphone owners are more likely to fall victim to email phishing scams than PC users, claims security vendor Trusteer.

The firm recently obtained data from servers used to host phishing web sites about the number and type of devices used to access them.

It revealed that, once an email is sent out alerting recipients to a fraudulent web site, smartphone users are often the first to visit.

They are also three times more likely than their desktop-using counterparts to submit personal information once they arrive.

Mickey Boodaei, chief executive of Trusteer, explained: "The first couple of hours in a phishing attack are critical. After that, many attacks are blocked by phishing filters or are taken down. Mobile users are more likely to be hit because they are always on."

The findings also suggested that iPhone owners are eight times more likely to access phishing web sites than those using a BlackBerry.

Boodaei said both devices make it difficult for users to tell whether a web site is genuine or not.

"Many [BlackBerry users] are issued their devices by a business, and could be better educated about phishing threats or have better protection on their mail servers," he added.