Malicious programs targeting Google's OS triples in Q2 2012.
The number of new malicious programs targeting Android platform has almost trebled between the first and second quarters of the year.
According to figures from Kaspersky, more than 14,900 new malicious programs targeting Android were added to the Kapersky database during Q2.
Out of this number, 49 per cent were 'multi-functional' Trojans, that will collect personal data and download content onto a device without the owner realising.
The other half of the was split between SMS Trojans and those that use backdoors to gain full control of devices.
Yuri Namestnikov, senior Mmalware analyst at Kaspersky Lab, said: "In the near future, we expect not only more malware, but more effective and dangerous malware targeting Android.
"Judging from existing trends, we should expect that cybercriminals will soon shift to more personalised attacks.
"This is primarily about malware hunting for confidential data with which to steal money from users' credit cards."
However, a comparable report by F-Secure has much more modest results. They ciam to have only found 40 new malicious Android APKs in Q2 2012: a 64 per cent increase on the previous quarter.
Obviously, any rise is bad news, but maybe it's not time to panic just yet.
Advertisement
