The Android operating system is dominating the mobile market, with more than 72 percent share. With many apps available to fulfill various needs and various devices from low-ends to high-ends, the mobile devices that use Android operating system can reach all segments.
While its popularity and the number of apps are still on the rise, its also experiencing an increase in the number of apps that are infected by malware. Those apps are multiplying at an alarming rate.
In 2016, an overall record of more than 3.2 million new Android malware files were discovered. In 2017, although with a slower start, G Data said that 750,000 malware have been found in the year's first quarter. With about 8,400 new malicious apps every single day. Android remains high in all, at approximately 350 malware per hour.
The report further warns the problem, saying that it is caused by the widespread of the devices from third-party phonemakers where software updates that tend to be less frequently. Even of they do get updates, they usually experience significant delays.
According to their findings, G Data claims malware apps and files are most significantly in Android Lollipop and Marshmallow, accounting for two-thirds of all infected apps. ]
- 2.3. - 2.3.7 (Gingerbread): 0,9%.
- 4.0.3 - 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich): 0,9%.
- 4.1.x - 4.3 (Jelly Bean): 10,1%.
- 4.4 (KitKat): 20,0%.
- 5.0 - 5.1 (Lollipop): 32,0%.
- 6.0 (Marshmallow): 31,2%.
- 7.0 - 7.1 (Nougat): 4,9%.
To protect themselves for malware, G DATA said that people should use security apps that include a virus scanner that checks for Trojans, viruses and other forms of malware. It should also include protections from phishing and others to secure users against dangerous emails and websites.
