Juniper Research Finds Much Malware Getting Through the Door on Android Devices

Juniper Networks is out with its 2013 Mobile Threats Report, and it includes some disturbing news for users of Android devices. According to the report, a whopping 92 percent of mobile threats (which include more types of threats than just malware) are aimed at Android devices--a number that has nearly doubled from 47 percent in 2012.

According to the Juniper report, more Android attackers are finding ways to make money with their mischief, too. There are many non-Google app stores that house infected applications, and one of the fastest growing types of Android malware is the type of attack that includes a bogus installer.

Juniper also reports that Android is the most prevalently attacked mobile operating system, which may help explain why some IT departments remain wary of allowing workers to use Android devices.

Also this month, CheckPoint came out with a survey of IT professionals that found mobile security threats to be on the rise. The survey found that 93 percent of respondents have mobile devices connected to their corporate networks, and 67 percent of respondents report that users are allowed to connect their own personal devices to the corporate network. That last statistic falls in line with other research showing that the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend is on the rise on business networks. And, increasingly, when users have a choice, they are reaching for Android personal devices.

As always, people remain a large part of mobile security problems. CheckPoint's survey found that user carelessness helped admit many threats onto corporate networks. And, as always, it is important to follow rules such as not clicking on links and installing tools from untrusted sources.