#5. Mobile malware and app store (in)security

There are more than 148,427 mobile malwares detected with 98 percent of it focused on Android platform. It is easy to develop and important factor is that cybercriminals exploit the fact that people download apps from Google Play, from other marketplaces, or from other web sites. The malware targeting mobile devices mirrors the malware commonly found on infected desktops and laptops – backdoors, Trojans and Trojan-Spies.  The one exception is SMS-Trojan programs – a category exclusive to smartphones

The threat isn’t just growing in volume but in complexity too. A multifunctional Trojan named Obad, could send messages to premium rate numbers, downloads and installs other malware, uses Bluetooth to send itself to other devices and remotely performs commands at the console.  The Trojan could gain extended Device Administrator privileges – but without it being listed on the device as one of the programs that has these rights.  This makes it impossible for the victim to simply remove the malware from the device.

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