Threats increase for Android
By Bryan on November 18, 2011 | Security basics, android, google android market, app store, android security
Android users should be careful when downloading anything from Google App Store because latest reports show a colossal increase in security threats.
Juniper Networks Global Threat Center report states that Android OS suffered a 472% increase in security threats in just four months. The biggest problem named is that with Android users are able to download third-party apps that aren't approved by Google. This results in the majority of malware threats spreading via apps downloaded from sites that have no connections with Google's Android Market.
In other words, availability to pay about $25 in order to anonymously publish your software to Android Market has helped the threat level to go sky high.
Another source for risk of threats is pirated software. When people want applications that cost money for free - they use pirated software. The fact is that they do not realize how often malicious programs are hiding in pirated expensive software offered for free.
All Android users should be warned because the increase in threats is only bad news No.1. Secondly, spyware is also getting smarter. For example, once spyware is activated it may install updates for itself in order to improve. One of these kinds of spyware was discovered recently – it was developed to steal money from users.
Android is the current leader in smartphone market which holds a huge share of 52% while its closest rival Apple has only 15% market share. The fact that Android’s popularity has been increasing drastically has attracted a lot of spyware developers’ attention which led to increase in threats.
Make sure that you download and install legitimate software from an unknown developer and use only legal software. It may seem not right at the time because of the money you should pay but think of it as a long term investment or insurance for your personal information and finances.
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