Malware on Android Devices 2.5 Times Greater

Photo Credit: Lookout

Malware on Android Devices 2.5 Times Greater

Android devices today are 2.5 times more likely to encounter malware infection than half a year ago, mobile security firm Lookout reported.

According to the Lookout report, one-third of smartphone users are also more susceptible to malicious links.

In the Black Hat security convention held in Las Vegas, Lookout disseminated a report that said the number of malware-infected devices will likely increase as more users switch to mobile devices for accessing emails, reading Facebook messages, and posting tweets on Twitter.

In only six months, malware infiltrated over 500,000 Android devices while infected apps increased from 80 to 400, with Lookout naming DroidDream and GGTracker as the most notable developers of malicious content on apps for Android devices.

DroidDream now has over 80 carrier apps available for download, while GGTracker drew attention after creating the first Android app to snatch money from U.S. owners via a premium text messaging service.

GGTracker also started new malware distribution methods such as ‘malvertising’, convincing owners of Android devices to reroute to a particular site that downloads malware automatically.

Android software engineers are currently working on restrictive methods for submitting mobile apps on the Android Market.

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