gadgetfields: Android security apps

Sometimes it feels like a week doesn’t go by without another scare story emerging about the security, or lack thereof, of Android apps. One of the Latest was accompanied by the startling headline that five million people had fallen victim to a new malware attack. 13 dubious apps were identified by anti-virus vendor Symantec as containing a new malware called Android.Counterclank. capable of stealing personal information from devices. That these apps had been downloaded up to five million times collectively meant the infection was potentially widespread.

Google has since revealed that it has developed a service called Bouncer that scans the Android Market for malicious software, and is also analyzing new developer accounts to prevent banned malicious developers from returning. These steps, the company claims, resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in malicious downloads between the first and second halves of 2011.

This is a step in the right direction. So long as Google resists calls to adopt an Apple-style approval process - and it is right to do so - the cat and mouse game with purveyors of malware will continue. Some will inevitably get through. And those such as Counterclank, which may be questionable on ethical grounds. But not technically against the rules, will continue to flourish.

For the time being, the onus is on us to be cautious. Keep an eye on what you’re downloading and what permissions an app is asking for Don4t download apps from dodgy third-party app stores (especially if they offer paid apps for free). If you want peace of mind, get something like Lookout Security to help monitor your phone. The openness of the Android Market is its greatest strength. and also its Achilles heel There’s no need to panic about security, but do take care!

Top Security Apps: