Mobile security becoming a serious issue as hackers find way to exploit Google Play
A new trend is emerging in the world of malware, and it is targeting the Android platform. Hackers are beginning to work their way into Google Play by disguising their malware as legitimate applications. Typically, Google can remove these applications from the Play store with relative ease, but many hackers are hijacking Play accounts from legitimate developers to avoid Google’s own protection methods. This trend could be a major blow against the Android and the platforms ongoing fight in the realm of mobile security.
Google may be unable to keep up with emerging trends in the mobile security space
Mobile security is quickly becoming more important than physical security. The information consumers share through their mobile devices is very valuable, especially to those that know how to exploit such information. Given that mobile technology is relatively new, the security of mobile devices and mobile applications has yet to mature. While Google has taken steps to ensure the security of the Play marketplace, many hackers have found a way to completely circumvent the company’s endeavors in mobile security.
Hackers target developers and not just consumers
Many hackers are beginning to target legitimate developers rather than just consumers. Developer Play accounts are being hijacked and used to distribute applications disguised as safe pieces of software. In many cases, this malware is actually being marketed as mobile security software for smartphones and tablets. Hacking a developer Play account is not the only method that malicious parties are using to gain access to consumers. Some are simply buying these accounts from developers outright.
Developers offered funds for each malicious application they publish to Google Play
Some hacking groups are offering $100 to developers with verified Play accounts for each malicious application they publish. Google charges developers $25 to put an application on the Play marketplace, which can be a hefty sum for small scale developers that do not have a strong presence in the mobile market. Hackers are preying on these developers by offering them a financial incentive to distribute malicious applications and circumvent the mobile security protections that Google has put in place.
Pricing disparity in mobile applications is gaining notice
The world of mobile applications is evolving. App developers are beginning to push the boundaries as new, more advanced mobile devices are introduced to the global market. These devices are governed by their operating systems, of which the most prolific are the iOS and Android platforms. Each operating system boasts of a devoted consumer base, which often clash against one another as the two flaunt the performance and capabilities of their favored platform. The disparity between the two platforms is becoming more apparent in the arena of mobile applications, however, and the divide separating the operating systems is quickly becoming one of cost.
SoundHound shedding light on pricing disparity
SoundHound is a simple instant music search and discovery application. It is not the first of its kind, but has become very popular with mobile consumers around the world. The application is available to both the Android and iOS operating systems and is used quite regularly by consumers in both camps. Mobile applications are typically cross-platform, but their universal nature is punctuated by the fact that they do not cost the same on every platform. This issue is becoming highlighted by the SoundHound platform, as well as many others that are available to consumers.
Differing costs resulting from business model experimentation
SoundHound is available on the Android for $6.99 through Google Play. On Apple’s App Store, however, it is available for $5.99. The price disparity is not gargantuan, but SoundHound is one among many mobile applications that do not have singular pricing across all mobile platforms. This is because developers are beginning to test various business models and pricing points in several markets. Notably, the SoundHound application is available for the Windows Phone operating system for free.
Experimentation may be a risky venture in the mobile applications business
Testing new business models and pricing points can be very risky when it comes to mobile applications. Pricing disparity can often confuse or enrage consumers, leading to heavy criticism and causing applications to fail in the market. SoundHound has not been free of this criticism, but has managed to avoid the prospect of failure. The app has also begun to highlight the fact that the economics of mobile applications continue to evolve and that no concrete business plan has yet emerged to create a standard in the mobile space.
