Figures released last week show that Android malware has grown by 580 percent between September 2011 and September 2012. To add insult to injury, more than 175 million downloads of “high risk” apps were from Google Play’s Top 500.
TNW:
First up is the 580 percent statistic. Yes, the number of malicious Android apps is definitely growing. Most Android users get their apps from the Google Play store, and this figure was put together after scanning “1.7 million apps found on 175 marketplaces worldwide.” Furthermore, the raw numbers are as follows: 4,951 malware samples last September to 28,707 malware samples last month.
The numbers do require a bit of context, says TNW, as Android is a “relatively new platform,” malware numbers are skyrocketing. And, the numbers in the article are from TrustGo, a company who happens to have a new Android security app in the Google Play market.
TrustGo’s Jeff Becker tells TNW:
The Risky apps are a problem for users because they monetize their apps using highly aggressive and insecure ad networks, some of which go so far as to take over parts of users’ devices. Some, like Leadbolt and AirAd, send sensitive user data like phone number and device IDs to 3rd parties who often use the info to send copious amounts of spam messages and notifications, even telemarketing calls. Worse are networks like Apperhand that can replace users’ browser homepage with a suspect search page, add icons and shortcuts to the phonetop…some of which lead to more High Risk and potentially Malicious apps.
Here’s how TrustGo distinguishes Malicious from High Risk: the former are apps that intentionally cause harm to you or your phone, while the latter are apps that can steal data, damage privacy, make payments, track web browsing, send your location, etc.
The 175 million downloads figure is nothing to scoff at, but it is among Google Pay’s most downloaded apps. (Of course, “popular” doesn’t necessarily mean safe.) Out of the top 500 apps, 23 were deemed High Risk.
Compared to malware numbers for iOS apps though, Android users do have to be more wary. True, some “evil” apps have slipped through Apple’s reviewing measures, but nothing near the numbers that have been found on Google Play.
Below is a look at TrustGo’s Halloween Spotlight infographic, which gives some helpful hints on how to download apps in a safe manner. (And yes, one of their suggestions is to download their app.)
