Tag: android mobile security

False Android applications are becoming much more common in official marketplaces.

When it comes to mobile security, malware and other related issues can appear in some of the places that you’d least expect them, including many seemingly harmless apps that can bring about a world of problems to their users.

Although many device users feel safe when they stick to official marketplaces, they may not be as secure as they think.

In the universe of fake Android apps, it used to be the case that they were primarily found in sketchy underground forums. However, there are also a swath of “unauthorized” applications appearing in official marketplaces and that are leading to mobile security issues for those who download and install them.

These mobile security threats aren’t typically malware in the most traditional sense of the word.

Though some may contain an Android Trojan virus that will download additional apps into a device or alter its normal operation, others can slip in undetected and collect the user’s personal data, only to send it away to remote servers of the developer. Many of them are using the old “bait and switch” technique that users often experience when they feel that they’re downloading one kind of app only to discover that they have received something primarily designed to keep a ton of ads constantly being displayed or that the home screen is changed around.

Unless absolutely necessary, it’s wise not to check off the option for the device to install apps from “unknown sources” on an Android device. This can create a tremendous number of mobile security problems if it is not done. Though it is necessary to check that box when testing an app that is currently under development and that is legitimate, it is extremely unwise to take that step in order to try to obtain pirated content. In those cases, you never know what you’re actually installing onto your device.

It is also a good idea for mobile security to check the developer, as a number of apps are being produced that look legitimate, but that are clearly not from official sources. For instance, there are dozens of games that look like they have Disney titles, but where Disney is not the developer. Moreover, it is important to note that BlackBerry is now the company name, not RIM, as unethical developers are trying to trick people who were not aware of the change.

Mobile security continues to be high priority in government

As the world becomes more mobile, the adoption of mobile technology on the government level is becoming more prolific. In the U.S., the federal government has been reviewing the quality of mobile devices based on the Android operating system. For several years, Blackberry mobile devices have been the standard for government workers, largely due to their mobile security features and the fact that these devices can be locked down relatively easily in the event of a serious threat. While Blackberry has long been a favorite for the federal government, that is likely to change due to the favor of the Department of Defense.

Samsung Knox wins approval from DoD

Late last week, Samsung announced that its mobile security suite known as Knox has received the approval of the Department of Defense. This approval had initially been restricted to the Blackberry operating system, which the Department of Defense had considered the most secure mobile operating system available. According to the federal agency, Samsung’s Knox mobile security software is on par with the security that can be found on the Blackberry operating system. As such, Android devices may soon become readily available to government workers.

Blackberry may soon see strong competition

Mobile security has become a major concerning for the federal government. Mobile devices traffic a significant amount of sensitive information, all of which is highly valuable to hackers and malicious groups that would be interested in exploiting this information. With mobile security having a high priority in the federal government, diversity in mobile devices has been somewhat sparse on the government level.

Approval from agency may boost enterprise performance of Samsung Galaxy S 4

Samsung is making a major push into the enterprise market with its Galaxy S 4, which will equipped with the company’s formidable Knox mobile security system. The enterprise market has, for several years, been dominated by the Blackberry. Whether Android devices can succeed in this realm is unknown, but their performance in the market is likely to see a significant boost from the approval of the Department of Defense.