Week 7: Malware on Android

Are you using an Android phone? Well be afraid, be very afraid! The next time you go app-shopping on the Android marketplace, don't download just any app, for they might contain malware!

You don't exactly want to open an app containing a trojan, do you? 

Worms, viruses, trojans, spyware, and even phishing can not only target your computer, but they also are quickly invading the smartphone platform. eWeek reports that most smartphone users aren't too careful when it comes to their mobile devices, downloading at whim and not evaluating the sources stringently. If we are careful when it comes to our PCs, we should do the same with our mobile devices too. You don't want to receive a phone bill costing thousands just because a malware is texting premium rate numbers, right?

So far, Google has responded pretty well by removing these malicious apps from the Android marketplace after being informed by bloggers at Android Police. Google also remotely removed apps from user's devices, which is honestly quite creepy because it's a huge invasion of privacy, even if it's to fix a security threat.

However, the worst isn't over yet. The security app released by Google has been duplicated by hackers and there are malicious apps in the Android marketplace masquerading as the Google security app.

Of course, not all hope is lost, and you shouldn't be too hasty to throw your Android device down the chute just yet. PC Mag has a few tips on how to protect your android phone.

CNET also gives a useful overview on top apps to secure your Android device.

Part of the reason why Android is facing this problem is because they believe in open source developing, and therefore there is no gatekeeping for apps put up for download. Open source breeds progress? Well maybe, but it's also an open playground for viruses and security threats. My iPhone and iPad have no fear (for now) because of its relatively closed system of developers, even though its millions of users are a huge temptation for malware producers. I'll take Apple over Android any day.