SpyEye securing the Android Smartphones

Govind Rammurthy
CEO & Managing Director
Escan Microworld

Today, mobiles devices have grown as a replacement for desktops. Apart from enhanced connectivity through social media, they offer excellent flexibility in work environment. Just like any other technology, mobile technology comes with its own drawbacks. Until recently, it was believed that malware related to the Android platform was just overhyped. However, the rapid adoption of the Android OS is looked at as a lucrative business for cybercriminals. The Android segment has grown from 46.5% in 2011 to 64.1% in the second quarter of 2012, which is four times more than Apple's iPhone market share of 18.8% and 23.7 times more than the current market share of 2.7% of the Windows Phone (Courtesy: Gartner) - much to what the Windows OS is to a PC.

Keeping an eye on the mobile malware

The threats appearing within the mobile platform are nothing new to security professionals as there is a continuous rise in Rootkits, Trojans and even the use of Botnets. Speaking factually, the once-famous Windows-based SpyEye Botnet has been successfully ported to the Android platform, highlighting the commercialization of mobile malware. The SpyEye mobile malware is not only designed to acquire data but is also used to monetize the attack by sending SMSs to premium numbers. Moreover, the verification process implemented by Google for market apps just does not fit in. This, in turn, attracts a number of malicious apps and games that are made to look legitimate to unsuspecting users. Users continue to face threats such as malware packaged as legitimate apps on app stores, releases private data of individuals, drive-by downloads from web browsers, etc.

Scope for the mobile security market

As mobile devices continue to pick up momentum, consumers as well as businesses heavily rely on them. Hence, there is a dire need for further bolstering the security posture of these devices. This gives scope for the mobile security market to flourish in the region.

Govind Rammurthy, MD & CEO, eScan MicroWorld says, "Only a handful of businesses have implemented a secure perimeter around their working environment in terms of policies. The reason being businesses, as of now, are finding it difficult to keep pace with the continuous developments in the mobile space". There are many reasons to it. Firstly, today as mobile devices are extremely affordable and convenient, their usage is proliferating at a very high rate. With the increasing functionalities offered by mobile platforms, businesses are slowly but effectively adopting the necessary technology to enhance their business processes and customer services. On the other hand, majority of mobile users are unaware that smartphones are as vulnerable as desktops and hence they do not use security solutions for their mobile devices.

Security challenges with Smartphones

Smartphones are used more often as compared to PCs and are the only devices that are used 24x7. An infected Smartphone can give out the confidential information of the user easily to the cybercriminal. Today, majority of mobile users are still unaware of potential dangers a smartphone can cause in the event of hacking. Hence, ensuring mobile security is very challenging compared to protecting PCs.

Govind adds, "We have recently launched security solution for Android-based devices - eScan Mobile Security for Android and eScan Tablet Security for Android to protect consumers from increasing mobile security threats."

The growing mobile workforce

Majority of the desktop users have switched over to smartphones as these provide enhanced portability and the number continues to increase. A massive spurt in the usage of mobile devices is expected in the near future which will lead to increase in adaptation in mobile workforce to increase productivity.