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Android has been the primary target of malicious software makers for a while now. In comparison to other mobile platforms, Android has the largest audience and at the same time, is open-source which means that unlike Apple’s iOS, it is easier to find security vulnerabilities in it. FBI has now issued a statement mentioning some of the malware which have recently surfaced and primarily target Android devices.

FBI is part of a larger task force called ‘Internet Crime Complaint Center’ (IC3). The warning has been issued by this body and in its statement, IC3 has specified some malware which it warns the user to be specifically careful about.

The statement reads, “The IC3 has been made aware of various malware attacking Android operating systems for mobile devices. Some of the latest known versions of this type of malware are Loozfon and FinFisher.”

IC3 further elaborates on these two malware by stating how both of them come to be installed on a user’s mobile device when he clicks on a fake link. Loozfon then installs itself on the phone and starts nicking away your precious data.

FinFisher, on the other hand, not only relays data but also grants remote access of your device to the hacker, effectively taking over a number of your device’s components.

As the overall user base of the mobile platform rapidly increases, so are the number of malware threats that are dished out to target it. Android is apparently a lucrative arena with its largest user base and somewhat less strict security compared to iOS. In Jelly Bean 4.1, Google has apparently notched up the security of its mobile platform and one hopes that a lesser number of Android devices will be affected by the aforementioned malware.

However, to secure any mobile device, IC3 suggests that you must take the same precautions in using internet as you do when using it from your computer.

Source: IC3

Courtesy: CNET

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