With the rise of telecommunication services, more and more mobile devices are being registered throughout the globe. Among the various smartphone Operating Systems (OS), Android and iOS are the most popular. According to Statista, around 73 percent of the global smartphone OS market is covered by Android.
However, hackers and individuals with malicious intent can and do try to take advantage of the Android system vulnerabilities which can cause data loss and privacy breaches.
Android devices are the target
There are more than a billion malware applications and programs on the internet. The majority of which target Android-based platforms. This is mainly due to the widespread use of Android globally and the open-source nature of the OS which makes it easier to make all types of applications, some of which can be malicious.
Therefore, it is important to identify the weaknesses in the Android OS so you can take preventive measures against them.
Here are the top 4 Android security weaknesses, according to our spyware experts:
1. Malicious Mobile Applications
Even though the majority of the applications on the Google Play Store are safe for your mobile, some of them contain hidden viruses and programs that can disrupt the functioning of your phone and steal your data.
Other than that, downloading and installing applications from third-party links and websites is one of the biggest sources of scams and viruses. Therefore, it is recommended to only download applications from the Play Store as it is the best option to minimize exposure to malicious apps.
2. Spyware
Ever received a spam email with links to questionable sites? Chances are the site was trying to install a spyware program on your device. These spyware programs infiltrate your mobile devices and try to get your personal and sensitive information to sell to third-party advertisers and external data companies.
Try to not open any emails from untrusted sources and avoid downloading from any pop-up ads. Installing an Android anti-spyware is also a great option to detect Android spyware and remove it from the system.
3. Unsafe Wi-Fi
The Man-in-the-Middle cyber-attacks are not limited to any operating system, but Android devices are especially vulnerable to such attacks. When you are connected to an unsafe public wi-fi, you are prone to these types of malicious attacks which can affect your devices and steal your information via intercepting incoming and outgoing internet data.
The worst part is that these attacks go unnoticed, and the victims don’t even realize it. Use a VPN whenever you are using public wi-fi to protect yourself and add a layer of security.
4. Phishing
Android devices have seen their fair share of phishing attacks. Phishing attacks involve the use of various methods such as fake emails, pop-ups, random texts, and even fake calls. These attacks are aimed to trick you into revealing your private information so the attackers can steal your data or even money.
Try using a free android antivirus application to detect such scams and warn you when any threat emerges. This will help you keep your devices safe and prevent a data breach.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals have developed ingenious ways to hack into your banking information and perform transactions without your knowledge. The Zito family of malware, for example, can bypass the two-factor authentication. They do this by stealing your username and password and then using the information to do multiple transactions from your accounts thus leaving you dry.
Currently, little can be done to prevent such high-level attacks but hopefully, new technologies can mitigate and prevent these attacks which will help keep your devices safe and prevent any loss of privacy and sensitive data.
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