Android targeted by mobile malware writers

Stephen Withers
Friday, 22 July 2011 07:39

Your IT - Mobility

Malware writers are more frequently targeting Android devices than other platforms, according to a security vendor. Not surprisingly, the company offers a solution to the problem.

"Your mobile phone is your most personal computer," observed Mark Kanok, group product manager at Symantec, noting somewhat curiously that one in three Australians would rather be punched in the face by Justin Bieber than lose their mobile phone.

But it's questionable whether they take enough care to protect the security of their personal information stored on or associated with their phones.

Malware is a particular problem for Android devices compared with other mobile platforms, with 20 families and 41 variants detected in 2010. Malware writers want a widely used open platform with an opportunity to monetise their efforts, and Android therefore provides a better opportunity than iOS, BlackBerry or Windows Phone.

"The target's moved to Android's back," he said. "The openness of the Android market raises the stakes."

Mr Kanok described various types of Android malware that have been detected, including spyware, Trojan diallers (eg, that send SMSes to premium numbers), and broadly malicious Trojans that can initiate calls, send spam messages and perform other unwanted actions.

How easy is it to get malware onto an Android device? See page 2.