Android Menace – MALICIOUS APPS:

In June 2012, the number of Android malware threats increased to a whopping 25,000 samples. More specifically, 5,000 new malicious Android apps were found in Q1 2012 while 15,000 were found so far in Q2 2012. Put another way, in all of Q1 2012, the number jumped by 5,000, while just one month in Q2 2012 was responsible for another 10,000.

The data come from Trend Micro, which originally predicted the number would hit 11,000 by this time of the year. It turns out the company has found closer to 25,000 Android malware samples in the wild, so far.

 Various tactics cyber criminals use to trick users into downloading malicious apps. Official Android app storeGoogle Play became host to infected apps. Fake versions of Skype, Instagram, Angry Birds Space, Farm Frenzy, and other legitimate apps were used to send messages to premium numbers at the users’ cost. Users’ curious nature was monetized by spying apps like Spy Tool and Spy Phone Pro+. The particularly sophisticated BotPanda strain opens rooted devices for remote access while hiding its routines

The security firm Trend Micro elaborated a bit on the top malware types and released a corresponding infographic:

The last statistic mentioned above is that one in five Android devices has a security app installed.

source: Trend Micro, ZDnet