14 DAY TRIAL // Trend Micro researchers have issued an infographic to detail not only the present status of Android malware and malicious apps, but also some predictions for the upcoming quarters of 2012.
So, at the end of 2011 there were 1,000 pieces of malware targeting Android devices. In the first quarter of 2012, the number grew to 6,000.
However, this year, the growth of malevolent elements appears to be more significant than anyone predicted. Currently, there are 25,000 pieces of malware, but by the end of year there may be as many as 129,000 malicious applications.
Most of the ones identified so far are part of the Fake, Adwairpush, Boxer, DroidKungFu, Plankton and JiFake families.
According to researchers, the main problem is that cybercriminals have begun offering rogue versions of popular apps, thus increasing their chances of success. To make matters worse, the fake applications have found their way onto Google Play, being downloaded by hundreds of thousands of users before being removed.