Why Security Issues Are Very Crucial For Android Devices

The incidence of malicious attacks on Android devices has steadily increased. In 2013 the increase jumped by 40%. Malware is an ever-present threat on smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system and you would do well to keep up to date on these security issues.

Most of the security issues for Android devices attack when embedded in mobile apps. These apps are often very close approximations of popular authentic apps, designed to trick the average user into installing the fake app, and the malware as well.

Most often the user has no idea that infection has occurred, and therefore does nothing to remove it. Users in non-Western countries are affected far more often than those in the US, but these things spread.

For many reasons, Google is having a hard time reaching every Android device for a mass solution. App vendors do little to improve the situation and rarely follow through responsibly to customers with security patches as they should. And for some reason Google just cannot convince it’s users to keep up to date on Android builds.

What Do They Want?

Stealing Data:

Often the developers of malware apps are merely looking for data.
Data about your personal information, like address and phone numbers, are forwarded on for marketing sales.
What your use is like and where it is directed is valuable as well.
But some data is truly risky to be available to criminals - your passwords, codes, financial information, and all the things you mistakenly think are secure.

Unwitting Subscriptions:

Some malware is developed to subscribe users to services without their knowledge.
And often with great expense if subscribed to automatically renewals.
Users often miss these charges and fees rack up quickly.

Image licensed Under Attribution

Tracking Adware:

Then there is the malware installed to track your every move, your every “Like”, your every hover.
This data is collected and sold to marketers and advertisers who use it to try to sell you things and services that miraculously match exactly what you were just doing on your phone. Sound familiar?

Device Takeover:

Your Android device can be hijacked. Think of every tool it offers. Camera. Microphone. GPS. Every tool. They can all be hijacked.
Your device’s camera could be taking photos of you and sending them to the malware developer and you would never know.
Some apps even analyze which photos have the most pixels in a “flesh” tone. Cringe.

Just Plain Nasty Attacks:

And then there are the trolls of the world. Their only goal is to cause chaos and pain and hassle.
They are in your device to eat your data, scramble your notes, lose your passwords, and eventually brick your device. Trollololol. Yeah.

What to Do?

To protect your Android devices, you should download and install a security app from a trusted source. All your devices, all the time. Be careful that you’ve got a legit app, no fakes! And always keep the latest Android build on your device. Never skip, always update - stay safe!

Sara Xiang

About the Author:

Sara Xiang buys frozen chicks because it's a lot cheaper than going to a pet store in the real world. She's been studying content marketing uses online for a while now and is very excited about all the possibilities.