Industry News

Android applications are not as riddled with malware as some media reports would lead readers to believe, but the threat is real, and users should secure their mobile devices, according to Computerworld.

Mobile devices are only compromised when a user installs a malicious app, whereas cyber criminals can infiltrate PCs without any user action, the source reports. Computer security is especially an issue for mobile devices running on Google's Android platform because anyone, including hackers, can release an app to the Android Market. Already, Google has removed dozens of harmful apps.

Computerworld suggests users keep a few common practices in mind to protect against mobile malware. When installing an app, users should be cautious about what permissions the app asks for. Users are warned not to download apps that want access to information that is not pertinent to the app's primary purpose. Caution also needs to be exercised while browsing the web. Some internet advertisements are actually portals to malware that can infect a mobile device. Finally, just as on a PC, it's crucial to install antivirus software on a mobile device.

Earlier this summer, a U.K.-based computer security firm released a survey that found over half the respondents did not know computer security software is available for mobile devices