Malware now targets Google’s operating system more than any other

Android users beware! Cybercriminals are targeting their malware at Google’s operating system more than any other – including Windows

  • Almost half of infections are on devices running the Google created platform
  • That’s according to mobile operator Nokia’s Threat Intelligence Report 2018 
  • Windows high user base previously made it a popular target for malware
  • The operating system now accounts for 35.82 per cent of malware infections
  • e-mail

4

View
comments

Android users and their devices are the most likely to be targeted with malicious software over any other operating system.

That’s according to Nokia’s Threat Intelligence Report 2018, which found 47 per cent of infections are reported on devices running the Google created platform.

Windows, which was previously the most popular target for cybercriminals, only accounts for 35.82 per cent of malware infections.

Scroll down for video 


Android users and their devices are the most likely to be targeted with malicious software over any other operating system. That’s according to Nokia’s Threat Intelligence Report 2018, which found 47 per cent of infections are reported on devices running Android (stock image)

Malware can range from software designed to cause damage to a device, steal information, show ads to generate revenue or various other nefarious purposes.

They can push people to subscribe to paid services which promise, for example, security software but deliver nothing of real value.

In its white paper, Nokia said around 20 million Android malware cases were detected in 2018, up 31 per cent from 2017. 

There is some good news for Apple users, however, who account for just 0.85 per cent of infections. 

  • Hackers could spy on your children using security flaw in… Google and the FBI bring down record-breaking ad fraud… Delete these Android apps NOW! Google says 150 Play Store… WhatsApp users are warned not to forward hoax text warning…

Share this article

The report also highlights the growing threat of botnets on the so-called Internet of Things (IoT). 

These are the multitude of internet connected devices that have spread throughout our homes in recent years, from smart speakers to baby monitors. 

A botnet is a network of hijacked IoT devices that can be used to launch attacks on websites to stop them functioning, steal data, send spam or give hackers access to devices.  


Windows, which was previously the most popular target for cybercriminals, only accounts for 35.82 per cent of malware infections. It has now been overtaken by Google’s Android (stock)

Botnet activity in 2018 represented 78 per cent of malware detection events in communication service provider networks.

This is more than double the rate seen in 2016, when IoT bot activity was first seen in meaningful numbers.

‘Cyber criminals are switching gears from the traditional computer and smartphone ecosystems and now targeting the growing number of vulnerable IoT devices that are being deployed,’ said Kevin McNamee, director of Nokia’s Threat Intelligence Lab and lead author of the report.

‘You have thousands of IoT device manufacturers wanting to move product fast to market and, unfortunately, security is often an afterthought.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION ONLINE?


Because hackers are becoming more creative, security experts are warning that consumers need to take all possible measures to protect their identities (file photo)

Source: Read Full Article