Mobile devices will still be safe in 2008, despite all the rumors of mobile malware.

This was one of the key findings of CA Inc.'s latest Internet Security Outlook Report, which warns that online gamers, social networks and high-profile events such as the U.S. presidential election and the Beijing Olympics may be top potential targets for online attacks this year.

"The digital footprints that are collected and stored whenever we use the Internet are incredibly valuable to marketers and to online criminals," said Brian Grayek, vice president of product management for CA's Internet security business unit.

"We've seen malware evolve from a cottage industry to a full-fledged fraud business," he said.

"Shockingly, it is now operating with business practices and development similar to legitimate software organizations. Our attitude about protecting our Internet privacy and the subsequent actions we take -- whether at work or at play -- can dramatically alter our online safety."

CA said the study is based on data compiled by its global security advisor researchers.

The report assures that smartphones and other mobile devices will not be a real opportunity for criminals this year. Proof-of-concept malware for mobile devices has not yet translated into any meaningful attacks. The only significant mobile vulnerability reported in 2007 was to the Apple iPhone.

"Cyber-criminals go where opportunity lies and take advantage of any and all vulnerabilities," Mr. Grayek said. "While security protection is becoming better at detecting malware, online thieves are getting smarter and stealthier in the way they attack our computers.

"There are too many platforms and they are very heterogeneous, which is why criminals aren't going to be targeting mobile phones," he said. "In addition, it's sort of like a lion who will not try to track one wildebeest.

"Instead, lions look for the largest groups and pick out the weakest one," he said. "It's the same way in the malware industry. The larger the environment, the more will happen."

This is precisely why there were malware programs written for the iPhone. People were anticipating the launch and knew that the number of purchases would be large.

Apple reportedly has sold more than 1 million iPhones since the phone's launch in June. The iPhone combines a music player with a mobile phone and Internet browser.

"If I am going to attack a large group of mobile users, I am going to make sure it's a targeted environment," Mr. Grayek said. "We are seeing that people are conducting scams and phishing attacks on mobile phones, making money through social engineering. But it isn't that big of a problem as of now."