14 DAY TRIAL // The number of Android threats is constantly growing. In fact, Android is currently the most targeted mobile platform. However, over half of the owners of Android smartphones and tablets haven’t installed any kind of security software.
Kaspersky Lab and B2B International have published the results of a study on Android security. The figures show that 40% of smartphone owners and 42% of tablet owners have installed security software.
The rest say they rely on the limited security features integrated into the operating system, and their instinct.
The number of Android malware samples identified in the first half of 2013 was 47,000. If we compare this number to the total of samples detected in 2012 (35,000), it’s clear that the threat is growing.
Android is tempting for cybercriminals not just because of its popularity, but also its functionality. Malware can be used to send text messages to premium rate numbers, and it can turn the smartphone into a spying device that the crooks can utilize to steal sensitive information.
Considering that the risks are high, experts advise users to install security software on their Android devices.