According to security researchers, evidence is mounting that mobile devices are fast becoming a hotbed for malware and malfeasance as hackers look for ways to make money off of data and account information stored on mobile devices. With its open platform and mounting user base – as opposed to Apple's more closed-door policy for iOS apps – Android smartphone and tablets are increasingly attractive targets for mobile malware developers. Here we take a look at how Android malware is spreading, with information from organizations such as the Juniper Global Threat Center and Kaspersky Labs, and what types of attacks are most common.
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Juniper Global Threat Center measured a 472% increase in Android malware from July 2011 through November 2011.
McAfee researchers said Android malware rose by 37% in the third quarter of 2011.
Kaspersky Labs reports that Android malware made up 40% of all malware detected in 2011 through the third quarter.
Ways Android malware attacks, according to Kaspersky's researchers: •It steals data •Sends texts to premium-rate numbers •Forces subscribe the user to paid services
Juniper says that 55% of Android malware is some sort of spyware, able to track phone information and send to a third party or potentially control the device.
According to Juniper, SMS Trojans make up about 44% of all Android malware, sending SMS messages to premium numbers in the background of a legitimate app.
McAfee researchers said that the Android platform was the only operating system in which all new mobile malware in Q3 would operate.
While 47% of people don't trust their mobile devices to store sensitive information, 81% mistrust their Android platform devices, according to a survey from Mocana.
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