Android Malware Increased 3,325% in Seven Months->
Submitted
by
wiredmikey
wiredmikey writes "In its just-released 2011 Mobile Threats Report, Juniper Networks said it saw a 155 percent increase in mobile malware across all mobile platforms in 2011, and a whopping 3,325 percent increase in malware specifically targeting the Android platform in the last seven months of 2011 alone.
In addition to a significant jump in overall mobile malware, Juniper echoed the industry consensus that the sophistication of malware-infected applications and other schemes targeting mobile devices has increased, with a new level of maturity reached in terms of security threats targeting mobile devices.
Juniper examined more than 790,000 applications and other vulnerabilities across every major mobile device operating system to compile the report (PDF). Juniper says its MTC’s malware sample library contains over 28,000 samples, which compared to traditional PC-based malware is tiny, but is significant in terms of growth percentage.
In fairness to Android, it’s simply a more attractive platform for attackers. Given the open platform and Android market which until recently, had little oversight and allowed malicious applications to often work their way into alternative android markers and even the official Android Market, it makes sense that attackers would target Android. While iOS is by no means immune to mobile malware, the platform has enjoyed a much safer environment due to Apple’s closed system and application approval process. Android is also wildly popular, and out pacing many other rivals including BlackBerry OS, Windows Mobile, and others. Massive adoption and path of least resistance make it an obvious choice for attackers looking to capitalize on the smartphone boom."
Link to Original Source
In addition to a significant jump in overall mobile malware, Juniper echoed the industry consensus that the sophistication of malware-infected applications and other schemes targeting mobile devices has increased, with a new level of maturity reached in terms of security threats targeting mobile devices.
Juniper examined more than 790,000 applications and other vulnerabilities across every major mobile device operating system to compile the report (PDF). Juniper says its MTC’s malware sample library contains over 28,000 samples, which compared to traditional PC-based malware is tiny, but is significant in terms of growth percentage.
In fairness to Android, it’s simply a more attractive platform for attackers. Given the open platform and Android market which until recently, had little oversight and allowed malicious applications to often work their way into alternative android markers and even the official Android Market, it makes sense that attackers would target Android. While iOS is by no means immune to mobile malware, the platform has enjoyed a much safer environment due to Apple’s closed system and application approval process. Android is also wildly popular, and out pacing many other rivals including BlackBerry OS, Windows Mobile, and others. Massive adoption and path of least resistance make it an obvious choice for attackers looking to capitalize on the smartphone boom."
Link to Original Source
