Hackers are increasingly aiming attacks at smartphones, touching off a race among software giants, start-ups and telecom operators seeking to cash in on ways to help consumers protect themselves, Reuters reported.

As the smartphone market coalesces around large operating systems such as Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android, it has become a more attractive target for hackers seeking to maximize damage with one hit.

Market research firm Infonetics forecasts sales of mobile security software will grow 50 percent a year through 2014 to hit $2 billion.

Hackers attack mobile phones in a myriad of ways, including stealing account information when a person uses a bank website or making fake phone calls to long-distance numbers.

Unlike Apple, which reviews and approves all of the offerings on its App Store, Google’s Android Market allows developers to post their apps directly. That could leave Android more vulnerable to attack, according to security experts.

The increase in hacking is creating a business opportunity for everyone from traditional antivirus players such as Intel’s McAfee to mobile operators and telephone companies.