The issue of malware in app markets is a continuing problem for users, and whilst the problem can affect any operating system, it seems Android is particularly vulnerable due to the open nature of the Android Market.
Just recently, after much adverse publicity surrounding problem app in the Android Market, Google publicised details of Google Bouncer, software that was scanning apps within the Market, looking for malicious code, spyware and Trojans.
Despite the Bouncer software, we still read stories on a regular basis of apps found in the Android Market that are intended to scam the end user, and leave them open to all kinds of problems, from a 'bricked' handset to loss of personal data.
One restriction of Bouncer is the fact that it only scans apps from the Android Market, leaving apps downloaded from third party stores unscanned. “Google Bouncer Service is a great first step toward getting additional security control over the Google App Store so we applaud Google,” commented Trend Micro CTO, Raimund Genes. “But we still need to see security measures for all the other Android App Stores.”
To remedy this, Trend Micro are promoting their App Scanner application, a free to download app that can scan apps for malicious code, as well as potential theft of private data and system resource abuse, apps that eat into battery life, or use up to much system memory or access a large amount of data.
Trend Micro is already a big player in cloud based technology, and offers technology that companies can use to scan data and protect users from malicious websites, emails and files.
Rik Ferguson, Director of Security Research and Communication at Trend Micro, said: “Mobile apps and the Android operating system in particular, have become a new area of focus for criminal activities. The capabilities afforded by mobile devices and the new avenues for monetisation are proving highly attractive both for abuse of individual consumers and for corporate espionage activities. In addition to the threat from malicious apps, smartphone users are often downloading and installing apps without any clear idea of the resources that will be demanded in terms of processor time or bandwidth, for example.”
Trend Micro has the capability of currently scanning applications on both the Symbian and Android platforms, and hope to add additional platforms in the future. Currently over 250,000 apps are monitored, with the capability for an additional 5,000 to be added, every day.
In addition to the protection offered against Malware, the Trend Micro app also allows you to block unwanted calls and texts from certain numbers, as well as offering protection against inappropriate content when web browsing, with a range of parental controls blocking access to various websites.
Endorsed by PC World USA as one of the top 100 apps to download for Android, the Trend Micro Security app, Personal Edition, can be downloaded for free from the Android Market, or by scanning the QR Code below. You will need an Android device running Android OS 2.2 or above.
