Android Security

Recently, there has been a fairly large increase in the number of security threats to android devices. This comes as a result of the ever increasing use of smartphones and other connected devices where attempts to gain access to the user’s device are becoming more and more successful. These threats can include Malware, Ransomware and Phishing Emails.  There has also been a big increase in the amount of phishing emails appearing in inboxes. These phishing emails will usually take you to a site containing vast amounts of malware and worms which will infect your device in the same way they would infect a computer. This malware will attach itself to the user’s android device, usually to the operating system (OS) or another executable file such as an application, which will run the malware script when the application is launched. If your device becomes infected by the malware it can do any number of things, for example collecting personal data and passwords cached on the device. Mobile devices can also be exploited as an easy way to infiltrate a business. Consider this: a device which has been infected and now has a smartphone-pen test-framework (SPF) on it. This device is then introduced into the business by an unsuspecting employee, where the employee thinks what they are using is a harmless news app. This app is also communicating with the SPF console in the background, exposing the device’s user data. This android device is connected to the Wi-Fi the same as most portable devices are. The network it is connected to is shared by many users within the business which allows the SPF to breach other devices on the network. These devices may be laptops which will more than likely contain company documents which can now be seen by the hacker. Most smartphones still do not come with any antivirus software installed as standard, which leaves the device vulnerable to attack and makes it an easy target for malware and viruses. Mobile antivirus is something that most people do not give a second thought to. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to protect mobile devices as they are used more and more in the business environment. They are often used as a means of working outside of the office, meaning that company data may be stored on mobile devices in order for the employee to carry out this work.

Protecting your device

You can protect your android device in a number of ways through the use of security apps. There are a number of apps on the market right now, all with varying levels of protection. The majority of these come with antivirus and anti-malware as a package. Depending on the type of sensitive data you are storing on your device some come with the ability to lock folders and apps for an added level of security. Finding a good antivirus app for your smartphone is paramount to minimising the risk of your company and personal data becoming compromised by malware and ransomware.

Summary

To summarise, the use of antivirus software on android devices is as important as the antivirus on a PC for both personal use and business use. It will not only protect the user’s information from being vulnerable but will also help prevent any unwanted malware entering the user’s home network or their business network through the Wi-Fi. The malware may affect other connected machines containing sensitive data such as passwords and company data. Malware and antivirus software for android devices should be treated as a priority especially for those using their mobile devices for work.