Tag: mobile security news

Mobile security becoming a major concern for Android

| March 13, 2013

Mobile Security AndroidAndroid facing mounting mobile security threats

The Android platform is being aggressively targeted by hackers from all over the world, causing major mobile security concerns for thousands upon thousands of consumers. More than 350,000 unique malware applications were recently discovered on Google Play, many of which were downloaded by a massive number of consumers. Mobile security is quickly becoming a very important subject for Android users, and Trend Micro, a leading Internet security firm, has launched a new update to its mobile security suite, providing more protection to consumers.

Mobile Security 3.0 launched by Trend Micro

Trend Micro has launched Mobile Security 3.0, a security application specifically designed for the Android platform. The application boasts of several features that aim to keep a consumer as safe as possible. One such feature is the application’s ability to scan other applications for malicious content. Any such content detected by the application can be quarantined so that it does not infect the rest of a user’s mobile device. The application also allows users to backup their important information on a cloud network, keeping it safe from those that would exploit such information. This data can be retrieved easily when necessary.

New security application allows users to wipe their mobile devices remotely

Malicious applications are not the only threat in mobile security. Smartphones and tablets are very popular targets for theft and many people often have their mobile devices snatched from their hands while in public. Mobile Security 3.0 accounts for these threats by giving consumers the ability to remove all data from their mobile device remotely, rendering stolen smartphones and tablets virtually useless in terms of information exploitation and identity theft.

Application includes privacy scanner for social media

Unlike some other mobile security application, the latest offering from Trend Micro also provide users with a privacy scanner for social networking. This scanning can identify any privacy risks that may exist in a person’s Facebook account and recommend settings that can keep a user’s information secure. The Mobile Security 3.0 application is available  for approximately $30 on Google Play, but a free trial version of the application is also available to Android users.

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.