According to AppleInsider, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released news on Tuesday, August 27th, which warns security agencies that an antivirus software should be installed on every Android-based smartphone. According to the report, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released this warning because according to the agency the open-source mobile operating system of Google has the most number of mobile malware. The warning report from the U.S, agency also highlighted the fact that 44 percent of Android users are running an outdated edition of the operating system that is known as “Gingerbread” and such users are likely to be hit by malicious software at any time.
According to an estimate roughly half of the malicious apps that are found on the outdated or older editions of Android are “text message trojans” and by using these apps hackers can easily send text messages to any premium-rate number, which could cause lot of charges to the owner. Besides this the Homeland Security has also warned the Android users against threats like rootkits, which actually records data such as passwords, keystrokes and location. In addition to this, there are some fake Google domains as well, which can easily trick users and they end up installing malicious software on their device, which later steal their secret information.
“To address these issues, the government recommends that agencies require Android-based phones have security suites installed that can combat malware threats. Users are also advised to install “Carrier IQ Test” to detect malicious software, and to regularly update their Android antivirus software.
While Android accounts for most mobile malware, the second largest platform for malicious software, based on F-Secure’s data, is Nokia’s outgoing Symbian platform, which is home to 19 percent of malware threats. Apple’s iOS comes in distant third with 0.7 percent, while Windows Mobile and BlackBerry are each home to 0.3 percent of malware threats.”
This was not the first time that Google’s Android OS has been highlighted as an insecure operating system, as back in March the head of worldwide marketing at Apple, Phil Schiller advised users to “be safe out there.” It is because o Android’s openness Apple has always criticised the operating system because it makes it more sensitive towards malicious software.
It seems that now is the right time for Google to sort this issue with Android, if the search engine wants to make a earning out of it in the future as well because tech companies like Samsung and HTC are looking to introduce their own OS now. So in order to stay alive in this business Google needs to make Android more secure.
Source: iPhoneinCanada
Photo: iPhoneinCanada
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