Android mobile malicious apps are targeting users' personal data, banking services. Computer security company Kaspersky Lab has revealed that Google's Android platform has established itself as the most popular for mobile malicious programs, overtaking other platforms as well as 'generic' Java malware.
In September 2011 alone, the number of newly discovered malware for Android-based devices increased by more than 30%, according to data form the Moscow-based company. It said that the second half of 2011 has been an active one for cyber criminals, who have been increasingly looking for chances to set up new scams in the mobile device environment. More alarmingly, Kaspersky Lab said, more and more often malicious mobile apps are targeting users' personal data. In October 2011 the share of particularly Android malicious apps trying to steal personal data went up to 34%.
An example of a malicious app distributed through the official store is Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Antammi.b. This program, masquerading as a simple app for downloading ringtones, appeared on Android Market. Kaspersky said that the "cover" program is designed for users in Russia, who use it to send text messages to a paid service to receive back desired tunes. This activity is perfectly legitimate; however, the malicious payload activity is simultaneously going on in the background. Like traditional "desktop" malware, Antammi.b steals almost everything: contacts, texts, GPS coordinates and even photos. The activity log is then sent to the criminal behind the scam via a simple e-mail message, and the data is uploaded to a server.
The company said that the rise in malware on the Android platform is not surprising - due to the platform's leading market share, flexibility and openness, yet at the same time lax control over its software distribution. The result is a share of Android-based malicious programs among all mobile malware currently being higher than 46%, and growing rapidly. More worrying is the fact that mobile malware is also targeting banking services, said Kaspersky Lab.
In September 2011 alone, the number of newly discovered malware for Android-based devices increased by more than 30%, according to data form the Moscow-based company. It said that the second half of 2011 has been an active one for cyber criminals, who have been increasingly looking for chances to set up new scams in the mobile device environment. More alarmingly, Kaspersky Lab said, more and more often malicious mobile apps are targeting users' personal data. In October 2011 the share of particularly Android malicious apps trying to steal personal data went up to 34%.
An example of a malicious app distributed through the official store is Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Antammi.b. This program, masquerading as a simple app for downloading ringtones, appeared on Android Market. Kaspersky said that the "cover" program is designed for users in Russia, who use it to send text messages to a paid service to receive back desired tunes. This activity is perfectly legitimate; however, the malicious payload activity is simultaneously going on in the background. Like traditional "desktop" malware, Antammi.b steals almost everything: contacts, texts, GPS coordinates and even photos. The activity log is then sent to the criminal behind the scam via a simple e-mail message, and the data is uploaded to a server.
The company said that the rise in malware on the Android platform is not surprising - due to the platform's leading market share, flexibility and openness, yet at the same time lax control over its software distribution. The result is a share of Android-based malicious programs among all mobile malware currently being higher than 46%, and growing rapidly. More worrying is the fact that mobile malware is also targeting banking services, said Kaspersky Lab.
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