How to stay safe from Android security threats

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Android is the most open platform nowadays and need of mass. Whether its youth or matured, everyone is moving to android now. As we have heard so many times that every coin has two sides; where android has easy UI and is interesting platform, it has becoming target of malicious groups who are exploiting Android’s openness. There are numerous different types of security vulnerabilities and attacks that users should be aware of, not all of which can be easily defended against.

1.      Flaws from poor design

There are often times when vulnerability has nothing to do with the users of the malicious apps. Sometimes it’s just a flaw in software.  To fix the issue developer has to push out the update. Many times third party app can be the security threat if it is not properly designed. A few days before, Skype for android has been launched and a flaw has found that it stores user information in a hasty way. A plain text file was created in the app which contains the skype username, contacts, profile, and IM logs. It was a newbie mistake form the skype devs, but later they rolled out an update to fix the issue.

2.      Malicious apps using permissions

User may trick into installing the app that looks good but have malicious virus or Trojans to attack your data. In reality developer is tricking you for few bugs. Many android app uses a permission to access various functions in your device. By making the app looks good developer may load it with the permission to access your SD card data, reading contacts and accessing the internet. Some apps actually need permission but malicious apps can use them to attack your device and may steal your data.

It may happen that you have found that those apps are sending messages without your consent which are charging you $10 per message

3.      Root Trojans

Android has given you the default root access, but some software modders usually find exploits that allow them to gain access. With these exploits or secretly rooted phone, the malware author could steal data or even remotely control the phone.

You can see here how to fix Trojan

How to fix these issues and stay safe Android security threats?

You should have install the system updates .Most of the devices notify you if any update but some manufacturers and carriers prefer to do tethered updates for some phones. Users should have antivirus installed in their devices like AVG or Lookout. These applications are designed to scan apps as they are installed and detect malware like Droid Dream, or those known to steal data.