Rumor: MIIT Drafting Handset Malware Blacklist Guidelines
The Beijing News, 3/19/13
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is currently drafting a set of "Mobile Internet Black and White List Guidelines" to curb the spread of mobile handset malware. Upon release of the new regulations, mobile security providers and telecom operators can take action, in accordance with MIIT guidelines, to blacklist malicious mobile software before it is able to spread to multiple user terminals.
According to statistics from the China National Computer Network Emergency Response Center (CNCERT), the Center discovered 160,000 different malicious mobile software programs in 2012, an increase of 2,400% from 2011.
An informed source added that the MIIT is currently establishing a mobile app oversight system that will keep tabs on China's several dozen mobile app stores and hundreds of thousands of app developers.
Editor's Note: According to a report from China News, Chinese software developer Kingsoft (3888.HK), the first domestic company to openly express support for the MIIT's campaign, is preparing to provide technical support.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "MIIT to Require Registration for Mobile App Platforms" MD 12/13/12 issue.
Keywords: malware wireless MIIT mobile Internet mobile security regulation mobile application app store Kingsoft 3888.HK