Android Now Most at risk Mobile OSile OS

McAfee says that malware that targets Android smartphones and tablets has increased by 76% in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the previous quarter. Android has surpassed Symbian for being the most-attacked mobile platform.

Vincent Weafer, senior VP at McAfee Labs says that there is a direct correlation between vulnerability and popularity — something evident with the number of malware attacking Windows computers compared to others, like Linux and Apple Mac OS.

This vulnerability is also attributed to the relative openness of the Android Market compared with other application ecosystems (such as Apple’s App Store). Likewise, the platform itself welcomes users and developers to tinker around with smartphones and tablets, to the extent that installing third-party apps from unofficial sources just requires un-ticking a checkbox.

Recall how malicious software have been discovered masquerading as legitimate apps on Android Market. Google was quick to pull those out of the ecosystem, even going as far as remotely killing apps.

But how big does the problem have to be before users take heed and start being smarter with the apps we install?
Meanwhile, the McAfee report says the iOS platform — which includes the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch — is relatively untouched, with no malicious applications that can actively attack a stock iPhone.

This year we have seen record breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity. The rapid rise in Android malware in Q2 indicates that the platform could become an increasing target for cyber-criminals.

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