Android becomes most attacked mobile platform

security.cbronline.com

Going rate of one million stolen email addresses is $25, says cyber security company

Google's operating system (OS) for mobile phones, Android, has become a favourite target for cyber criminals with the amount of malware targeted at Android devices jumping 76% since last quarter, to become the most attacked mobile OS.

According to computer security company McAfee's latest 'Threats Report: Second Quarter 2011', this year has also resulted in the busiest ever first half-year in malware history.

In the second quarter (2Q) of 2011, Android OS-based malware surpassed Symbian OS for the most popular target for mobile malware developers.

The report also said that while Symbian OS and Java ME remain the most targeted to date, the rapid rise in Android malware indicates that the platform could become an increasing target for cybercriminals - affecting everything from calendar apps, to SMS messages to a fake Angry Birds updates.

McAfee Labs senior vice-president Vincent Weafer said, "This year we've seen record-breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity."

Weafer also said that cyber criminals are building sophisticated malware which are difficult to detect.

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