Android Users, Watch Out: Hacking Attempts on the Rise

There was once a time when Android users weren’t particularly worried about malware and hackers. This was largely because there weren’t all that many Android users out there, and there was just no percentage in developing the tools and methods to hack such systems. Android’s popularity, meanwhile, has brought with it a surge of hacking, as revealed by antivirus makers Avast.

The new word from Avast noted that 40 percent of devices had been targeted for attack as compared to the same time last year. Now, there are an average 1.7 million attacks on Android devices a month, up from the 1.2 million seen the same time last year. Plus, the kinds of attack are on the rise too, with 788 different variations of viruses, 22.2 percent more than the same time last year.

The upgrade in attack profiles was apparently sufficient for Avast to put out a special update for its mobile systems, and is actually considering combining the mobile systems under its banner—Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus—to get the most adaptive system.

Avast’s senior vice president and general manager of mobile and IoT Gagan Singh noted “We constantly update our mobile security solutions to address new threats by leveraging powerful AI and machine learning technologies in combination with the world’s largest threat detection network to make it easy for consumers to stay secure online. Since users carry their most valuable data around with their smartphones, we also focus on strong features protecting their privacy, securing their device and data, while providing convenience.”

This is vital for any mobile payments user, indeed any mobile user. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that no one cares about your Android phone or tablet, but it’s just not true. With the potential of money on the other side as more Android users become mobile payments users, the value is there for hackers in increasing numbers. This puts your device, along with everyone else’s, right on ground zero, requiring an appropriate response.

So it’s a good time to follow the standard protection protocols. Watch your accounts, and keep your antivirus systems up to date. The update you take today may save your system tomorrow.