Report: Android malware up 3,325% in 2011

We are used to seeing massive growth rates with Android, but I am sure this is one statistic Google will not be touting in their quarterly reports.


In 2011, we saw unprecedented growth of mobile malware attacks with a 155 percent increase across all platforms. Most noteworthy was the dramatic growth in Android Malware from roughly 400 samples in June to over 13,000 samples by the end of 2011. This amounts to a cumulative increase of 3,325 percent. Notable in these findings is a significant number of malware samples obtained from third-party applications stores, which do not enjoy the benefit or protection from Google’s newly announced Android Market scanning techniques.

The report also notes that malware is becoming more sophisticated, with malware like Droid KungFu using encrypted payloads to avoid detection and Droid Dream disguising itself as a legitimate app.

Read the full report here

Source Juniper ; Via zdnet

Google introduces Bouncer, a tool able to detect malicious code into applications

It feels more and more about viruses, trojans and malware in general circulating via infected applications in the Android system. In recent months the problem has become increasingly serious and even Google has taken its required actions by removing the offending application developers and blocking it frequently is not enough.

So here come directly from the Mountain View further solution in the form of software tools that will provide better control against this growing threat. It's called Bouncer and is a tool that automatically scans the code of each application before being loaded in the market.

The tool performs all operations in a few seconds in order not to delay the market entry process in any application and if you remove the developer will not have to worry about as Google itself will examine the code and determine the validity of the application.

This is certainly an important step and very mature for Android Market is often brought up for being too "open" to the world of developers leave out the necessary safety measures, which should now be guaranteed in the same respect and integrity.

Source GoogleMobBlog