Mobile security has become a pressing problem. More often than not, there are newer, stronger and more bizarre risks for Android users. To give you a glimpse, recently a mobile monster, named QuadRooter was suspected of gambling with user data. As many as 900 million Android devices, having Qualcomm chips were at the risk of losing data. This happened because major security holes were detected in Qualcomm chips.
This was one instance of Android security risks. There are many other threats, all set to masquerade with user data. We have compiled a list of top 10 android security risks in 2016. Before we begin putting these issues to you, we must apprise you that 2016 is particularly a year of security threats. Plenty of vicious tech strains have already emerged and the rest of the year is expected to bore many more. So without further delay, we’ll acquaint you with all major risks following this year.
1. Ransomware:
This year innumerable variants of Ransomware have bombarded like never before. This year 4 times more attacks were recorded than the previous year. From early the year, until now Ransomware strains have found exact vulnerability and attacked users. Once an android ransomware variant has attacked a device, it would lock the access and doesn’t gives it back until demanded ransom is paid.
2. Lock screen vulnerability:
A snag is likely to emerge, if you don’t consider lock screen security a priority. A weak lock screen security or unlocked phone is an easy prey for criminals. Even if you don’t put tight knit security for your installed apps, you must secure your phone with strong pattern or password.
3. SMShing:
This is another trick by hackers to trap innocent users. Attaching malicious or fraudulent links in SMS is becoming an easy practice. Once a user clicks on the link, it installs Trojan onto the device. In recent past, such Trojans were downloaded on Android phones, which after getting installed started texting premium-rate numbers, without user knowledge. These messages charged huge amount from users.
4. Unsafe Surfing:
Surfing internet can be considered as one of the major causes of security threats. This is even a graver for outdated android versions, say anything below 4.0 version. If you get to visit any malicious webpage, it can even take full access of your SD card. This problem recently came in focus when a security expert found it. Though Android has stepped in spectacularly and is address all such issues, but users should also remain vigilant and ensure that they don’t visit any such website.
5. Fraudulent Apps:
As far as apps are concerned, not all of them are poised and stick to their primarily work. There are some apps on the Google Play Store, which transmit Trojans to Android device. There are also the ones, which on the other hand lurk around the user data.
6. Unsafe Data Transfer Practice:
This is another bad practice inculcated in smartphone users. So if you happened to exchange data from unauthentic source or to an already infected device then your phone is likely to get affected by the same. Avoiding this practice is the need of the time.
7. Improper Handling:
Everything comes down to how you handle your phone. The less you keep your phone wrapped security measures, more you are likely to invite sneaky criminals to target your device. Simply ensure that all your apps are updated, you have a good and strong password protection and that you don’t lend your device to anyone.
These are the 7 threats rolling over your Android device in the year. But there is one good news! Google is working on security issues and it ensures that the major threat- Ransomware, doesn’t get a chance to infect Android N users.