Time to Do what?
When I was researching this on the web I didn’t expect to find so much stuff, but I do think IOS has more vulnerabilities then Android but it isn’t as bad as Apple IOS problems!
I am not going to talk about all of them but just a few that have peaked my interest!
The ‘Master Key’ Exploit
A simple but yet easy way to fool your Operating System and gain more access than it should. The name doesn’t mean they actually have the master key to your device. It is using what all Android devices use in the APK. The MANIFEST.MF, which if done right, will have two more copies in the APK (Zip file). When the Android OS installs this APK it will use the the last MANIFEST.MF and thus it can gain more access than you once thought. Be able to communicate with a server or copy your contacts. I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that 3rd party apps are dangerous now and I will not use anything but Google or Maybe even Amazon US app store!
The ‘Webview’ JAVA Exploit
If you don’t use JAVA you will need to consider disabling it in Android. While this one is a little more trickier and harder to avoid if you use Java, you best bet is to install Dolphine Browser, FireFox, and/or Chrome. Then install a java an Addon or and Extension that does not allow Java to be used unless you specify. This exploit can send SMS, or send out emails from you to spam your friends and family. So this is one that you must start worrying about to a point.
The ‘Scarevertising’ Exploit
This last one I have seen become very prevalent and thus you should be on the lookout for this! They claim in either a push notification or in some kind of inside application banner that basically tries to scare you into thinking you have a virus. I’m not sure which advertising networks are being used but you can bet this will be a constant problem. Some rules of thumb are install only from the Google App Store and never install any third party apps, which some call side along install.
If your worried and you want to protect your Android Device, here are a few free applications that will help and hopefully keep you safe:
- Avg Security — They have several different types and even a paid app type so it is up to you!
- Sopho’s Free Anti-virus and Security App — I haven’t played around with this one but I do trust Sopho’s when it comes to Antivirus and Malware removal so they can be a great asset!
- Eset Mobile Security and Anti-Virus App — This is another one that I trust because of who they are.
The last thing I can say is there are more than 100 different anti virus apps out there but it all depends on the end user (you) to know and trust vendors who are reputable and you can trust. If you don’t know the Anti virus Company than maybe they shouldn’t be used. I do hope I have helped you find what your looking for and we will discuss more in the future on Android Exploits!
