IT'S time to install security tools on your handset, especially if you have a smart phone.

Almost 2,400 kinds of mobile malware, which are similar to computer viruses, have been detected in China, the world's biggest mobile market. The number is expected to reach 2,500 by the end of this year, more than triple from a year ago.

Over 8 million handsets have been found to be infected, according to NetQin Mobile Inc, a Beijing-based mobile phone security firm.

The mobile viruses have damaged mobile systems, stolen users' accounts and passwords and spied on users' habits, experts said.

A new category of virus, which has siphoned off telecommunications fees through sending messages or surfing online without the knowledge of users, has accounted for one third of the new mobile viruses, according to NetQin's latest report.

Among all smart phones, Nokia's Symbian and Google's Android systems are the most vulnerable. iPhone's iOS system is relatively safe, according to NetQin.

"In developed regions like Shanghai and Beijing, it's more urgent to improve awareness of mobile security," said Zou Shihong, Netqin's chief security expert. "More people are going online with handsets."

More than 300 million people in China have surfed online through handsets and mobile Internet users will soon surpass those using PCs, according to the China Internet Network Information Center.

Enrique Salem, CEO of Symantec, the world's No. 1 Internet security firm, said recently that mobile security and cloud computing are the sectors expected to grow the most rapidly in the industry.

Mobile payment services make security even more important, according to experts.

About 53 million people worldwide are expected to be using mobile banking applications by 2013, according to financial services firm TowerGroup.

Meanwhile, attackers are increasingly targeting mobile platforms to siphon money.

Some mobile malware programmers have developed viruses that will make calls to premium billing locations or send text messages to premium services to make money.

Tips For Mobile Security

1. Don't open unknown links or pictures sent by strangers.

2. Install mobile applications in authorized channels.

3. Shut down Bluetooth if it's not necessary.

4. Don't plug in memory cards used by others.

5. Shut down international roaming and group message sending functions if not necessary.

6. Check mobile bills regularly.

7. Install professional mobile security tools and upgrade them regularly.