The usage of OS is increasing; cybercriminals are becoming active. They target operating systems instead of cracking individual system. The report also revealed that Android is the most infected OS that carries 92% of all founded threats.
According to Canalys 2013, report Android dominates 59.5% market share in mobile apps where Apple was on the second position with a 19.3% and Microsoft is holding with an 18.1% market share.
The reason behind prevailing mobile malware on Android platform is not using updated android version. A report says that only 4% users were using updated android version. Mostly users use Gingerbread and Ice cream sandwich so they lack new security updates from Google. That does not mean that other operating systems like Apple iOS are not vulnerable.
The majority malware targets SMS, which were sent out unknown numbers set out by cybercriminals. The report said:
- 48% SMS Trojans recorded for malware attacks.
- 29% malware spreads due to fake installations.
- 19% malware came from Trojan Spy malware.
Major apps infected by cybercriminals are Google Play, Skype, Adobe Flash, and Angry Birds, Bad Pigs.
To minimize the risk of OS malware, users should have latest update OS version, never install app through third party, do not allow personal information on your device.
The Juniper report focuses on four indicators like increase in malware target, increase in third party downloads, holes in mobile payments, and fragmentation.
- In 2010, the count for Android malware was around 24%
- In 2011, the Android malware figure augmented to 47%
- In 2013, the Android malware figure grew to 92%
- More than 500 third party Android app stores carry mobile malware.
- Three out of five third party stores are from China and Russia.
- Less sophisticates mobile criminals focus on mobile payments via SMS Trojans and fake installers. According to report, they earn $10 on each download.
- 77% of Android malware came from SMS threat.
The Canalys report said that there is probably expectation of 1 billion of Android smartphones to dispatch in 2017. The reason behind prevailing Android malware is its open friendly ecosystem for apps and developers. Google has to work a lot to draw people to its Android version and make free them from mobile malware. Google need enhanced protection for mobile users and organizations and OEMs and software vendors must work in a focused way to lessen mobile threats and vulnerabilities.
About The Author
Abel Wike lives in Delaware, USA. Head of fraud prevention division; she has four years experience on online security activities at ClickSSL.com. She recommends, use GeoTrust Anti Malware Scan to make malware free website.
