Android malware is nothing new, with numerous reports from security firms such as Lookout Mobile, Symantec and McAfee warning users about the platform’s security issues and susceptibility to malware.
Unfortunately, the situation has only become worse for Android users, as ReadWriteWeb‘s Dan Rowinski reports on research from Juniper revealing that malware on the Android platform has risen 472 percent since July. This might be “The Year of Android Malware”.
Rowinski writes:
Looking back at 2011, we could call it, subtitle it, as The Year Of Android Malware. It started with DroidDream and reports have been issued all year that have shown exponential growth in Android malware. It is not getting any better. If Juniper’s research can be believed, it is getting much worse.
Juniper (Networks) says there has been a 472% rise in Android malware samples since July 2011. Juniper says that almost all of the Android malware contains code for root access that will force the device to communicate with a command-and-control server and download additional instructions. 55% of Android malware acts as spyware and the rise of “SMS Trojans” has become a significant problem.
With Android’s “open market” structure, almost any developer can publish an app on the platform. That developer access can even be anonymized – this is the primary reason for the rise of Android malware. Juniper also notes, that while iOS may not be inherently safer, Apple adds a layer of security with their code signature and app review requirements. (MacTrast discussed the advantage of Apple’s “walled garden” approach in August of this year.)
So users of all devices: practice safe computing. While iOS users can rest easier in the knowledge that Apple has got your back, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Android users: I suggest a visit to your local Apple Store. Hurry, go, they open at 10 AM.
