Google Play and your problem with malware

 

"700,000 downloads in three months"

Google Play, the official app store Google has allowed in the first quarter distribution of 17 applications with malware that has registered 700,000 downloads before being withdrawn. Security researchers have found that Android malware grows at a rate much higher than the planned, just as dangerous.

The data from malware and infections in Android are increasingly worrisome. Trend Micro has said that we have seen so far is not far from the "worst" and provides data that give an idea of ​​the magnitude, increasing the problem. According to security company in the last quarter doubled identified malicious applications from 10,000 to 20,000 in just one month.
In the first three months of the year, 5,000 identified TrendLabs malware designed to infect Android phones. This is a high amount, which at the time and was surprised by its magnitude. However, the figure has soared to quadruple in the coming months.
From Trend Micro have commented that the most worrying is that even in the official store of Google applications, Google Play, have distributed some of the infected files. Specifically, Trend Micro has said that a total of 17 malware application with Google have been sold in Play for long enough to record 700,000 downloads.
The objectives of the cybercriminals seem to remain the same as in previous months. According to Trend Micro, is looking to get money from their victims by charging premium services or viewing special announcements via mobile. In addition, data theft and personal information remains one of the interests of criminals, who have also begun to create botnets with these devices.
"The growth of Android malware is sustained and highlights the criminal interest in the mobile platform and particularly in the Android operating system. Criminals have always followed the behavior of users and continue to do so. As we move to a steadily towards the mobile web, mobile devices offer criminals new ways to generate revenue, "said the director of security research and communications at Trend Micro, Rik Ferguson.
TYPES OF THREATS
Although the volume of threats is increasingly high, the fact is that Android malware can be summarized various groups. The most common type of malicious app, which represents 30 percent of all those found by Trend Micro, is a form that poses as a legitimate application very popular. Trick users imitating another app is the most common.
Another group of malicious apps that users should avoid are those that allow hackers to spy on mobile devices and monitor and control your GPS signal, in addition to the reading of any text and calendar information. Two of these types of threats, so-called Spy Phone Spy Tool and PRO +, were recently discovered by Trend Micro as apps available for download on Google Play.
From Trend Micro users have recommended to bear in mind that Android is an open ecosystem where the level of enabled applications before they are allowed by Google Play is minimal. For this reason, the site has more risk than others who have a tighter control as the App Store.
If Google has a higher risk Play in nature, others stores may pose even greater security risks. For this reason, users should remain cautious about what to download. As a recommendation, Trend Micro has advised distrust of payment applications that are being offered free of charge, unless the company responsible for communicating to preform some sort of deal.