“John McAfee Urges More Attention to Mobile Security Concerns Over Computer Safeguards”

John McAfee, the eponymous founder of the world-renowned McAfee security software, urges the public to shift their cybersecurity concerns from computers to smartphones. He warns that the actual risk lies in the omnipresent cameras and microphones equipped in our portable devices. McAfee points out the increasing ease with which these devices can be hacked remotely, enabling unauthorized individuals to control functionalities such as your phone’s sensors.

This cautionary advice follows the announcement that McAfee is now leading a modest security enterprise named MGT Capital Investments. The new organization is expected to eventually adopt his name, akin to the globally recognized McAfee Associates that he established in 1987. (The latter entity was bought by Intel in 2010 for a lavish sum of $7.7 billion.) MGT Capital Investments aims to arm the public with anti-spyware solutions designed exclusively for mobile devices.

John AcAfee, Image credit : ABC

As many tech companies are embracing encryption safeguards, with WhatsApp recently offering end-to-end encryption on all its chat platforms, McAfee’s statement has started a new conversation on existing cybersecurity measures. Being hacked has always posed a persistent risk; with the advancement in technology, a simple text message can serve as a gateway for hackers to infiltrate your phone. Considering the scope of personal data stored on phones, this potential breach of privacy is fraught with significant dangers.

It’s no secret that foreign hackers, especially from countries like Iran, China, and Russia, have aimed their compass towards the US, targeting crucial infrastructures. Similarly, these countries echo counter-accusations at the U.S.’ cyber invasions. McAfee warns that the threat is real and universal, and nations worldwide are not adequately prepared. As he argued in a recent computer security conference, “We are teetering on an edge, not just as companies, not just as individuals, but as a nation and even as a world…

The U.S. government has since established a separate department focusing on cybersecurity, pooling in experts from both public and private sectors, and has set aside a budget worth $19 billion. Similar strides are being seen across the globe. The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, announced a united front with the U.S. against cyber threats from either side during a meeting with his American counterpart.

A report by Kaspersky last year revealed that cyber-thieves had looted a whopping $1b from approximately 100 banks across 30 countries. Following suit, the Central Bank of Nigeria reported a substantial loss worth 40b/$200m Naira to cyber crooks in 2013 alone, emphasizing the escalating worldwide issue.

In a surprising turn of events, McAfee is now running for President of America as a Libertarian, following accusations of involvement in a neighbor’s murder in Belize in 2012.