Android security holes vex mobile users
Updated: 2014-06-04 06:49
By Cao Yin (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
The Android operating system is promoted at an exhibition in Beijing in May. Smartphones using the open-source system are prone to threats from malware, a report says. Provided to China Daily |
Li Bei plans to get rid of his Android-using smartphone after being bombarded with pop-up ads and malware.
"I was in big trouble after I downloaded several online games from the Android application store. The software conflicted with each other, and I had to delete spam the following week," said Li, a native of Shandong province who has used Android for more than four years.
He said the last straw was when the applications shut down his smartphone and deleted his contacts list. After that, he decided to buy a new phone that uses another operating system.
Li is not alone.
In 2013, more than 703,000 malware programs were found in mobile cyberspace, an increase of at least threefold over the past year, according to a report by the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team and Coordination Center.
The report also said that more than 99.5 percent of malware targets the Android OS.
The Android system is popular for its open source, its biggest advantage, "but that also brings with it a failure of app supervision and risks in mobile security", said Ning Jiajun, a researcher of the Advisory Committee for State Information.
According to the report, the top malware were those promising to reduce cellphone fees, followed by those that destroy the operating system and steal users' information.
In addition, operators of some app stores also lack supervision and verification of applications, according to He Nengqiang, who specializes in mobile security and works for the center.
To alleviate the increasingly serious mobile attack and boost self-discipline of network enterprises and app-store operators, a "white list" of trusted software companies was established last year, said Yan Hanbing, deputy director of the center's operation department.
Nine companies, including Qihoo 360 and Kingsoft Security, two leading Chinese network security enterprises, are on the list, "which means the security of applications designed by these companies can be highly ensured", he said.
"Each application on the list will be labeled in app stores, which is easy for users to distinguish," he said.
caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
Related Stories
Android asks too much of phones 2014-05-26 21:05
Android targeted most by malware 2014-03-29 07:29
Google takes consumers' wrists to next frontier with Android watch 2014-03-19 15:50
Nokia calls on Android O/S in reversal of fortune bid 2014-02-25 07:29
Domestic software to rival Android, iOS 2014-01-20 07:22
China software to rival Android, iOS 2014-01-20 00:19
Today's Top News
Brazil installs Chinese security systems for Cup
Spain's king abdicates to revive monarchy
FIFA probe into Qatar 2022 to report
Beijing to ease green card rules
Apps shine at Apple's WWDC
Brazil's goal is more than soccer
Abe, Hagel's accusations rejected
Yuan clearing bank to open in UK
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Long march to end employment bias |
Variety is the spice of academic life |
Documents prove the truth can't be buried |
Race to remember story of resistance |
Strait talking: From enemy to friend |
Welcome to the world’s largest garbage dump |