Tag: google

Mobile security suffers a blow from new hacking trend

| March 8, 2013

Hackers Mobile SecurityMobile 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.

Apple could revolutionize the market with rumored iWatch

| March 7, 2013

Apple iwatchApple shows strong interest in wearable technology

Rumors concerning Apple’s development of wearable technology reached a fever pitch this week as Bloomberg reports suggest that a watch-like smart device could generate more revenue for the company than its line of iPads and its potential foray into the world of TVs. It is rumored that Apple has been working on a wearable device that speculators call the iWatch. This device is, essentially, a smartphone combined with a wristwatch, and while it may sound very simple, the device could have major implications for the company’s financial future.

Patents point to wearable technology from Apple

Apple has filed 79 patents concerning the development of wearable technologies. Some of these patents pertain specifically to devices worn on the wrist. Apple has shown strong interest in moving smart technology beyond the realm of cell phones and tablets, believing that wearable technologies may be attractive products for future consumers. Apple’s interest in the watch industry is not misplaced, as analysts from Citigroup suggest that the global watch industry will generate more than $60 billion in sales this year.

iWatch may be a promising opportunity

Analysts suggest that the iWatch represents a $6 billion opportunity for Apple. Moreover, the development of such a device could have major implications for the company’s future. When Apple released the iPod, it was considered something entirely new in the realm of consumer electronics. The iWatch may have a similar impact on the sector, returning Apple to the proverbial throne of mobile technology, which was recently taken over by Samsung.

Innovative steps must be taken to compete with Google and Samsung

Apple has not announced any definitive plans concerning the development of a wearable smart device. CEO Tim Cook has alluded to the company positioning itself to compete with both Samsung and Google more aggressively in the near future. The company has plans to take innovative steps in the realm of mobile technology in order to compete in the consumer electronics market, but whether the iWatch is anything more than rumor has yet to be seen.