Android Tops Most-Vulnerable Lists, But Is It A Deserved Distinction?
By Qushawn Clark
Expert Author
Article Date: 2011-11-21
As Android becomes more and more widespread, analysts have brought many vulnerabilities of the OS into the public eye.
Multiple web data security firms have listed Android as the worst of the worst as far as security is concerned. In fact McAfee, one of the worlds leading security companies, has stated that "this quarter Android was the sole target of mobile malware writers," which is certainly not good press for Android. Apparently, many of these attacks are trojans that come in through SMS channels and cause the phone to dial unwanted numbers and make ridiculous charges. Bit9, another impressive security firm, has also listed Android as the most popular OS for hackers right now. They even came out with a "dirty dozen +1" list labeling the most vulnerable mobile devices out there right now. Here is the list:
1. Samsung Galaxy Mini
2. 2 HTC Desire
3. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
4. Sanyo Zio
5. HTC Wildfire
6. Samsung Epic 4G
7. LG Optimus S
8. Samsung Galaxy S
9. Motorola Droid X
10. LG Optimus One
11. Motorola Droid 2
12. HTC Evo 4G
The "+1" that I mentioned is the iPhone 4 and all earlier models, many of which are running outdated versions of iOS which pose huge security risks to users. According to some, the accusations against android are simply a marketing ploy by these companies to scare consumers into buying more security measures. There have been some very strong words coming from Google on the matter, as they are the primary backers of the Android OS. Google Open Source Programs Manager Chris DiBona has chastised these people by saying
"virus companies are playing on your fears to try to sell you bs protection software for Android, RIM and IOS. They are charlatans and scammers. IF you work for a company selling virus protection for android, rim or IOS you should be ashamed of yourself."
Whether the situation is quite as bad as McAfee and co. say is up in the air, but there no denying that Google has organizational problems. The rely on the individual hardware manufacturers and service providers to provide the security updates and such for specific phones. There just needs to be some kind of unity within the Android community, period.
About the Author:
Qushawn is a staff writer for the iEntry Network.
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