Android Users at Risk?
Security expert Riley Hassell has announced that he has found a few security issues within Google’s Android operating system. During an interview, on Thursday, he mentioned that a number of widely used Android applications that can benefit the hackers and make the phones more susceptible for attack. He did not specifically name the security issues or applications. However this does raise the question. Are any mobile device platforms any safer?
In our opinion we say no. This is not specific to Android. Any tablet or mobile phone that you can install applications on or enter your personal information into is at risk. It is the job of the Apple’s and Google’s out there to update their code to reduce known risk on their operating systems. They cannot be totally be accountable, we as users have a role too.
Keep Up to Date - When your mobile device tells you that updates are available, install the updates. This way if you do happen to go to a webpage or install a program that puts you at risk your operating system can help defend you.
Don’t Trust 3rd Party Sources – Android devices have the Android Market place. Apple has it’s app store. Blackberry has it’s App World. Installing applications from the manufactures sites is the safest place to get applications. These companies closely monitor the applications they make available to ensure the apps are compatible with the device and safe for you.
The Web is Still the Web – Just like on a desktop computer, your information is as safe as the site you post it on to. Good habits like keeping an eye out for suspicious URL’s and not posting personal information like your address or banking information go a long way.
As mobile devices become more sophisticated the risk for security issues will increase. We need to practice the same habits we have done for desktops and laptops for some time now.
Android Apps, Android Security
