Safety and education of our customers are top priorities at NQ Mobile. Since your mobile security is our business, the more you know about what’s out there, the safer it will be for all smartphone users.
Root exploit malware
While conducting a Security Study, NQ’s team of researchers described an ongoing phenomenon in the realm of mobile malware — one of which we should all be aware. “Root exploits” consist of malicious code designed to bypass your smartphone’s built-in security system, and gain privileges that allow it to do its intended dirty work.
The dirty work done by root exploits commonly involves stealthy dialing of premium numbers at great cost to the phone’s owner. Like most malware, the intention behind root exploit code is to steal money as quickly as possible, before the invader is discovered and eradicated.
Could it affect my phone?
The answer is Yes. Like other strains of malware, we can expect the number of root exploits to grow, especially since “rootkit” applications can be easily purchased online. In fact, our researchers found that one third of the malware dataset they studied contained a root exploit. Many other forms of malware often contain two or more root exploits, just to make sure the malware reaches its intended goal of commandeering your phone.
How does it get in?
Root exploit code can be transported to your phone, buried within a legitimate app, sometimes enclosed in a Trojan-horse type capsule of code. It’s possible to download this kind of infected app without any sign of trouble. Your smartphone’s system is complex and, in the case of Android, contains over 90 open-source libraries. What this means is that the system is open for outside application development – a real opportunity for malware authors.
Earlier examples of rootkit exploits proved to be simple installations of packaged malware, purchased right off the Internet. However, recent upgrades within root exploits are disturbing. A more sophisticated brand of root exploit malware is programmed to be activated by some trigger, which could either be a phone call made by you, or some other activity on the phone.
A newer variety, instead of embedding itself in an app, is encrypted and stored in the app as a resource or asset file, making it unrecognizable. It may have a misleading suffix assigned to it, such as .png, that makes it look like a harmless graphic or other normal element of the app. It downloads quietly, and the infected file sits in your system, waiting for a trigger that will bring it to life.
What to do
Root exploit malware is disturbing, especially if we consider the consistent rate at which malware’s growing in the mobile arena. It’s important to download a strong and comprehensive mobile security product to stop root exploit activity before has a chance to begin. That’s it! Protecting your phone is easy, and it’s free.
As always, we at NQ Mobile hope that educating our readers about malware will be an ongoing and meaningful process for mobile device owners and their families. We hope you’ll never see an instance of malware in your smartphone, but it’s better to be prepared and protected, just in case.
Please leave your comments, stories and questions in our Comments section below, or visit us on Facebook. Don’t forget to go to our website for a free download of the most powerful mobile protection on the market, NQ Mobile Security.
Earth Day brings up reminders of healthy living and responsible habits. Reducing our carbon footprint and conserving energy are practices of every good Earth citizen. As mobile device owners, we need to be aware that earth-friendly habits are important, not only for us to remember, but to teach our kids. Here are some reminders:
Don’t leave your mobile chargers plugged in. They sap power needlessly.
Dialaphone suggests we replace our old devices only when absolutely necessary, rather than purchasing a new one every time a new model arrives. The average American phone is replaced every 22 months!
Some mobile companies employ green practices, and there are manufacturers working on producing green mobile phones. Take a moment to find them before deciding on a new mobile purchase.
Support the idea of solar powered chargers. Currently marketed for use in the field, they could be incorporated into household use for better energy management.
Check your mobile phone settings to be sure you’re using the least amount of power possible.
Donate your used mobile phone to charity to an organization that refurbishes phones for those in the military.
Choose mobile apps that don’t sap your device’s energy resources.
Perhaps most importantly, RECYCLE. Find your local electronics recycling station and dispose of your devices efficiently and safely. If you can’t bear to let go of your valuable phone, find an ecoATM kiosk and get a few bucks for it. Don’t contribute to your local landfill by throwing devices in the garbage. If you doubt the damage electronic devices can wreak in a landfill, check out this article by Wirefly that explains the chemicals released and their effect on our water.
Every small effort helps toward keeping our planet clean and safe for future generations. Join us at NQ Mobile as we celebrate the earth today, and make a commitment to be responsible mobile citizens for life.
América Móvil, a leading Latin American telecom group, will be offering our three flagship products to its more than 262 million equity subscribers. We’re talking 18 countries, including Mexico and Latin America, where NQ Mobile Security, NQ Mobile Vault and NQ Family Guardian will be readily available to América Móvil’s subscribers!
Introducing Seguridad Móvil Telcel
With some 68 million subscribers, Telcel is Mexico’s leading mobile provider, and is América Móvil’s largest carrier. Telcel will start by offering NQ Mobile Security to its subscribers in Mexico, and will call it “Seguridad Móvil Telcel.” The good folks at Telcel will be promoting our products, starting soon by pre-loading Seguridad Móvil Telcel (NQ Mobile Security) on their customers’ new devices.
As the year goes on, América Móvil will expand the NQ Mobile product line across all its carrier brands, including Telcel and Claro, into 18 Latin American countries.
Just like us, América Móvil’s committed to mobile safety
We talked to Marco Quatorz at América Móvil, who had this to say about the new partnership:
“As the third largest mobile network operator in the world, América Móvil is committed to providing our customers with the safest and most secure mobile experience on the market. We share NQ Mobile’s belief that the best mobile experience is a safe mobile experience and we are pleased to be able to offer our customers the world’s best mobile protection with Seguridad Movil Telcel. NQ Mobile’s products will undeniably enhance our service offerings to our customers throughout Mexico and Latin America.”
Wow. We’re excited at the idea of our products reaching this many more people in the world. Our Co-CEO, Omar Khan comments,
It’s critical that consumers in Mexico and Latin America become educated about growing mobile threats and learn how to protect their mobile devices, their privacy and their families. With more than 242 million customers around the world and with partners across the globe, NQ Mobile has the resources to provide América Móvil’s users with tools that will help ensure the safety and security of their valuable mobile data, regardless of location.”
We’re proud to share our big three
•NQ Mobile’s flagship application, NQ Mobile Security, detects and deletes viruses, malicious URLs, and other threats. NQ Mobile Security’s been proven by independent security lab tests, like West Coast Labs Comparative Test, to outperform all competitive mobile security platforms.
•Our award-winning NQ Family Guardian, is a unique suite of services designed to keep kids safe on their mobile devices. América Móvil and NQ Mobile expect that this will be a first of its kind in Mexico and Latin America.
•NQ Mobile Vault for Android is one of Google Play’s top apps, with millions of downloads. It lets consumers password-protect and encrypt photos and videos on their smartphones.
Here at NQ Mobile, we extend a huge bienvenido a bordo (welcome aboard!) to all our new friends at América Móvil, and we wish their customers a safe, secure and private mobile experience using NQ Mobile’s products. Read our news release here.
NQ Mobile’s Family Guardian, by any other name, is still the final word in mobile protection for kids and families. But here’s some news: U.S. Cellular will now offer its 5.9 million customers our Family Guardian suite as “U.S. Cellular Family Protector,”powered by NQ Mobile. Same product, same superior protection for kids and families.
U.S. Cellular’s adoption of the Family Guardian suite reflects their strong interest in protecting mobile families. Naming the product U.S. Cellular Family Protectorpowered by NQ Mobile, allows U.S. Cellular to cater to their own large customer base without adding unfamiliar or confusing branding. It’s a brilliant move, and an indispensable collaboration between the two companies. NQ Mobile’s Co-CEO, Omar Khan, remarks that this partnering to protect customer’s vital mobile information is “more important now than ever.”
Here’s a quick refresher. U.S. Cellular Family Protector powered by NQ Mobile (NQ Family Guardian), is a powerful way to link the mobile family together for safety and for managing your kids’ mobile lives. Here’s what it offers:
Web Filter: Safeguards your children by filtering and blocking inappropriate websites
App Filter: Helps you make smart choices about which apps children can access
Contact Filter: Helps kids fight spam text and harassing calls by adding numbers to their block lists
Schedules: Helps to control children’s mobile phone use by setting up times when they can unlock their phones to make calls, browse the Internet, text, and more
Monitors: Parents can keep track of children’s locations, message content, calls, browsing histories, app downloads, and photos
Geo-Fences: Lets parents set up a virtual safe zone for children, and receive a notification if they go beyond the boundaries.
Check-in: Lets kids check in when they arrive safely at their destinations. Also tracks their location if they forget to check in
Panic Alarm: If kids are in trouble, they can send an alert message to their parent’s phone with their exact location
U.S. Cellular is a Chicago-based carrier with a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices. Its high-speed nationwide network has the highest call quality of any national carrier. To learn more, go to uscellular.com. As always, we at NQ Mobile look forward to your comments and ideas.
The 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week promises to bring some surprises to mobile users.
Smartphones are so smart now that developers are having to think up clever new features, beyond the electronic ones, to distinguish their phones. Some might be a bit over the top – what do you think of these two new innovations?
Here’s a smartphone that stays in your car. That’s right – its permanent place is on the dashboard. Sure, this one is voice-activated and has all the great smartphone features, but with all the mounts and gadgets available to hold your portable smartphone, do you really need one that’s glued to the car?
OK, it may have some advantages
You won’t have to search your pockets or briefcase while you’re driving
You won’t need to remember to grab your phone before you leave the car
If you forget to bring your phone along, you’ve always got one in the car
Never mind if it’s an eyesore on your dash. It may become a status symbol – or maybe not.
It’s not transparent when it’s turned off, but if it’s on, good luck spotting it between your couch cushions.
Right now it’s still just hardware looking for an operating system, but there’s no doubt that at least one of the big smartphone companies will buy in, according to Polytron Technologies. Why would you want one?
It’s dual sided – you can use it from either side
It goes transparent when it’s fired up, and stays, otherwise, translucent
The glass being used to build it will have other uses
Many are still looking for a real user-advantage to the transparent phone, which is planned for release at the end of this year. Surely some folks will have to have one if it really does emerge on the market. But, it’s not like it’s a self-cloaking stealth phone, and the clear glass is going to present some users with a challenge.
Whatever you decide about upcoming smartphone innovations, we at NQ Mobile want to remind you that downloading a powerful security package is a number-one priority. Keep your mobile gadgets safe, private and malware-free with our award-winning privacy and security software.
Join us on Facebook or leave comments on our blog. We’d love to hear from you.
NQ Mobile and I-Mobile Corporation have agreed on a great new way to ensure a safer mobile experience for mobile users in South East Asia: I-Mobile will pre-install NQ Mobile Security on its Android mobile devices beginning this month.
Our Co-CEO, Omar Khan, says that “Mobile handset providers like I-Mobile are indispensable partners in our efforts to expand globally and protect mobile users across the world, namely as we increase our presence in Southeast Asian markets.” He adds that, “It’s imperative that consumers in Southeast Asia become educated about growing mobile malware threats and learn how to protect their mobile devices. By offering NQ Mobile Security as a pre-installation on its smart devices, I-Mobile is providing its customers with tools that will help ensure the safety and security of their valuable mobile data.”
“As one of the leading mobile handset providers in Thailand and Southeast Asia, I-Mobile is committed to providing our customers with the finest customer service in the industry,” said Mr.Ditaphon Chantraurai, AVP-Product Director, Product Marketing, I-MobileCorporation. “We share NQ Mobile’s belief that the best mobile experience is a safe mobile experience. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the best mobile protection on the market with NQ Mobile Security, which will undeniably enhance our service offerings to our customers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.”
As our customers know, NQ Mobile’s flagship application, Mobile Security detects and deletes viruses, malicious URLs, and other threats. NQ Mobile Security has been proven by independent security lab tests, like West Coast Labs Comparative Test, to outperform all competitive mobile security platforms. NQ Mobile Security was also a top performer in effectiveness, with a 99 percent malware detection rate, in research conducted by AV-TEST Institute, a leading international and independent service provider in the fields of IT security and anti-virus research.
Here’s a quick refresher on NQ Mobile’s Security Features:
Award-Winning Mobile Security: Fights malware, spyware, phishing, viruses, hacking, and more.
Privacy Protection: Protects the data stored on the phone, protecting that social networking, email, and financial accounts from being hacked and personal calls from being recorded.
Anti-Theft/Anti-Loss: Remotely locates, locks, or deletes information from a lost or stolen mobile device, and sounds an alarm to help find it.
Backup and Restore: Safely and seamlessly stores contacts for easy access from any Web browser.
System Optimization: Provides control over running apps and power consumption.
Traffic Monitoring: Provides real-time updates on data usage and caps on maximum data usage.
Here’s a sensitive subject that doesn’t get as much attention as the victim-aspect of cyber bullying. Could your child be bullying or intimidating others online?
Most parents would never suspect that their own child could be mean, hateful or menacing toward his or her peers. But, our normal reluctance to recognize flaws in our own kids might be even more reason to become involved in their online lives.
Consider the possibilities.
Does your child get super-angry over seemingly benign events?
Has there been a divorce, death or major change in your family structure that’s affected your child’s attitude?
Is there arguing in the home, or a serious conflict among siblings that might cause your child to act out online?
Does your son or daughter spend an inordinate amount of time playing violent games online?
Do your kids spend unsupervised online time alone after school?
Have any of your child’s regular friends begun to ignore, shun or otherwise disappear from his or her life?
Certainly, if your son or daughter seems to be needing a way to vent anger, frustration or self-doubt, it might be a good time to engage a counselor, perhaps for the entire family. Common family events and changes can trigger major anxiety in kids, sometimes causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Aggressive behavior’s not your child’s fault – sometimes adults simply need to step in and help kids look at their feelings, and help them find appropriate outlets for expressing them.
What you can do
A great way to stay on top of your child’s online activities is to monitor his time online, and take an active role in this part of his life. Kids may object outwardly, but knowing their parents care enough to stay involved gives them a sense of inner security. If you’re able to see what’s being said and viewed online by your kids, you’re in a much better position to help.
NQ Mobile’s Family Guardian allows parents to be involved at whatever level they feel is appropriate, and gives them a way to block unhealthy content and apps. Parents can monitor what their kids are doing online, and easily spot signs of trouble before things get out of hand. If your kids are communicating on Facebook, texting or exchanging emails, your ability to check in on them can make all the difference.
It’s worth getting involved early, rather being surprised by a contact from another parent or teacher about your child’s behavior. Kids need to know that their parents are sharing the responsibility for their safety and security. Monitoring their online activities tells them that you’re watching out for them, and helps you set limits for them until they’re mature enough to set them for themselves.
What to watch for
If you suspect your child might be dealing inappropriately with anger issues, watch his or her online activities for:
Denegrating remarks about a friend or peer on social network sites
Excessive texting, emailing or targeting one or more individuals
Negative comments about other players on game message boards
Defensive remarks from friends or peers who may feel attacked
Excessive online time and secrecy
Losing friends
Again, aggressive behavior is often a reaction to emotional pain or distress. Cyber-bullying can go undetected because kids have such a sense of privacy on their mobile devices. Children aren’t naturally cruel or malicious, but if they’re struggling with emotions they can’t control, they’ll often take out their anxiety and frustration on someone they perceive as weaker. Help your child by being involved. Download Family Guardian, and visit our mobile family site for tips, guidance and ideas about protecting your family online.
Do you have stories about kids who’ve had social problems online? Please share with us on our blog, or join the conversation on our Facebook page. We’d enjoy hearing from you.
A third quarter 2012 Sino MR research report shows that NQ Mobile has 63% of registered mobile security users in China. Sino MR is wholly owned by renowned market research firm, GfK Group, and has reported NQ Mobile’s market share in China as greater than 60% in every quarter since May 2011.
Because the third quarter 2012 Sino MR report was issued after NQ Mobile released our third quarter earnings on November 12, 2012, data from the report didn’t appear in our third quarter 2012 earnings release.
NQ Mobile’s third quarter financial results are out. In all modesty, we have to report that we’ve exceeded our own expectations – again. In a conference call conducted Monday, (11/12/2012), Co-Chief Executives Omar Khan and Dr. Henry Lin, and Chief Financial Officer, Suhai Ji discussed the company’s revenues, its financial status, its recent acquisitions and expectations for the future.
The discussion indicates that the explosive increase of smartphone sales, as well as some strategic growth moves have resulted in NQ Mobile’s consistent rise to the top as a robustly successful global company. From our news release:
Net revenues increased 127.4% year-over-year to $25.8 million from $11.3 million in the corresponding period of 2011, exceeding the high end of the Company’s previous guidance of $24 million to $25 million. Excluding revenue contribution of $4.5 million from the recently acquired Beijing NationSky Network Technology, Inc. (“NationSky”), net revenues increased 88.0% year over year to $21.3 million.
Suhai Ji told conference participants that Monday’s announcement marks the sixth consecutive quarter since NQ went public that we’ve delivered above and beyond our promises to shareholders. He, too, cites the “continued proliferation of mobile internet applications and increased awareness of mobile security among consumers worldwide,” as well as considerable revenue from the recently acquired NationSky, as factors in this quarter’s success.
Latest Additions
In addition to our award-winning flagship product, NQ Mobile Security, the company has expanded our offerings this year to reach a wide ranging mobile audience. Family Guardian, our groundbreaking suite of services designed to protect smartphone-using kids, has quickly become a favorite among consumers. The award-winning Vault package provides users with a new level of privacy and and now offers private messaging with Facebook content. NQ’s Enterprise Shield and MMS or Mobile Managed Services through NationSky have made NQ Mobile a “trust services provider encompassing both consumer and enterprise segments.”
New Acquisition
Dr. Lin and Omar Khan went on to discuss NQ Mobile’s agreement to acquire the controlling stake of Beijing Feiliu Jiutian Technology Co. (“Feiliu”) not already owned by NQ Mobile.
It’s been an exciting year for NQ Mobile, and 2013 promises to hold even more growth opportunities for the company and its shareholders with unique and effective security products designed to reach an ever-widening audience.
NQ Mobile’s announced its new collaboration with Phones 4u, a major mobile retailer in the UK. More than 600 Phones 4u retail outlets will now offer NQ Mobile Security to their customers, as we at NQ Mobile continue our efforts to get strong protection into the hands of as many mobile consumers as possible.
Phones 4u
Founded in 1996, Phones 4u has a customer base of youthful, fashionable and technologically passionate mobile users with an appetite for the latest technology. It offers all major networks and handset brands available in the UK, and was the official UK retail partner for the Samsung Mobile PIN pop-up experiences opening across London in the summer of 2012. Phones 4u is Samsung’s exclusive retail partner for its Samsung experience Zone.
NQ Mobile’s award-winning security software
Omar Khan, our Co-Chief Executive Officer, commented that, “Retailers such as Phones 4u are essential collaborators in our efforts to expand globally and protect mobile users across the world.” Our flagship Mobile Security software’s been recognized repeatedly for its excellence in quickly detecting and extinguishing viruses and malware, offering an array of impressive features:
Award-Winning Mobile Security: Fights malware, spyware, phishing, viruses, hacking, and more.
Privacy Protection: Protects the data stored on your phone, ensuring that your social networking, email, and financial accounts can’t be hacked and your personal calls can’t be recorded.
Anti-Theft/Anti-Loss: Remotely locates, locks, or deletes information from a lost or stolen mobile device, and sounds an alarm to help you find it.
Backup and Restore: Safely and seamlessly stores your contacts so you can easily access them from any Web browser.
System Optimization: Provides control over running apps and power consumption.
Traffic Monitoring: Provides real-time updates on data usage and caps on maximum data usage.
image delphinezhu.com
NQ Mobile Security’s also available on the Google Play store along with NQ Family Guardian™ and NQ Mobile Vault™ for Android.
It’s our intention at NQ Mobile to educate mobile users around the world, and protect them from incidents that make our mobile experience less pleasant, such as cybercrime, theft and malware. Collaborating with companies like Phones 4u supports that intention by getting our protection products into the minds and phones of folks just like us, who enjoy our technology and want it to be care free. We’re pleased to align with Phones 4u as a welcome partner in that effort.
will be for all smartphone users.
The answer is Yes. Like other strains of malware, we can expect the number of root exploits to grow, especially since “rootkit” applications can be easily purchased online. In fact, our researchers found that one third of the malware dataset they studied contained a root exploit. Many other forms of malware often contain two or more root exploits, just to make sure the malware reaches its intended goal of commandeering your phone.
opportunity for malware authors.
mobile device owners, we need to be aware that earth-friendly habits are important, not only for us to remember, but to teach our kids. Here are some reminders:
working on producing green mobile phones. Take a moment to find them before deciding on a new mobile purchase.
generations. Join us at 
flagship products to its more than 262 million equity subscribers. We’re talking 18 countries, including Mexico and Latin America, where NQ Mobile Security, NQ Mobile Vault and NQ Family Guardian will be readily available to América Móvil’s subscribers!
It’s critical that consumers in Mexico and Latin America become educated about growing mobile threats and learn how to protect their mobile devices, their privacy and their families. With more than 242 million customers around the world and with partners across the globe, NQ Mobile has the resources to provide América Móvil’s users with tools that will help ensure the safety and security of their valuable mobile data, regardless of location.”
and families.
U.S. Cellular
your couch cushions.
Whatever you decide about upcoming smartphone innovations, we at NQ Mobile want to remind you that downloading a 
r mobile experience for mobile users in South East Asia: I-Mobile will pre-install 
experience is a safe mobile experience. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the best mobile protection on the market with NQ Mobile Security, which will undeniably enhance our service offerings to our customers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.”
As our customers know, NQ Mobile’s flagship application, 
cyber bullying. Could your child be bullying or intimidating others online?
Certainly, if your son or daughter seems to be needing a way to vent anger, frustration or self-doubt, it might be a good time to engage a counselor, perhaps for the entire family. Common family events and changes can trigger major anxiety in kids, sometimes causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Aggressive behavior’s not your child’s fault – sometimes adults simply need to step in and help kids look at their feelings, and help them find appropriate outlets for expressing them.
knowing their parents care enough to stay involved gives them a sense of inner security. If you’re able to see what’s being said and viewed online by your kids, you’re in a much better position to help.
Monday, (11/12/2012), Co-Chief Executives Omar Khan and Dr. Henry Lin, and Chief Financial Officer, Suhai Ji discussed the company’s revenues, its financial status, its recent acquisitions and expectations for the future.
as factors in this quarter’s success.
in the UK. More than 600 Phones 4u retail outlets will now offer NQ Mobile Security to their customers, as we at NQ Mobile continue our efforts to get strong protection into the hands of as many mobile consumers as possible.