Will the users of online stores of Google, named Android Market are at the risk of malicious attacks from hackers. This is the opinion of security firm Sophos and they are pointing to the instant download feature of apps in the Android Market a vulnerability point. This has opened the doors for hackers to pose a serious security threat to the users. The Android Market site has the feature allowing the users to search and install Android apps not with standard device but Android Market app that is available as Smartphone. It is necessary for the user to sign in with their Google password and the application will automatically retrieve Android devices which are registered in your name. Even the details of all the Market Apps already installed are also retrieved. On signing to Android Market the app installation will be available to you on a click of button. But this convenience offered itself is a weak link that can pose security threat to users.
The source of the problem as analyzed by Vanja Svajcer, who is a Virus Researcher at Sophos is that the buyers of apps can download them directly into their Android devices. This will happen without any customer approval for the software installation. This way the device can be opened by anyone who gets access to Google password by way theft.
It will result in hackers to fool you into installing software on your Android without your permission. But as the apps are getting downloaded these events happening behind the scenes and users won’t be unaware of it all.
As a solution to this Sophos suggests Google to modify the present method of downloading the apps without the authentication by the users. In the procedure of downloading the apps users must be given the choice to approve the source to begin the downloading. On the other hand the customers are advised to change their password with strong passwords containing combination of symbols and numeric characters in their password.
In this way you can protect your self from the threat of hackers while you use the online stores of Google Android Market. Virtual threat is no more than losing your own privacy. Tech Nama invites respected readers to share their thoughts on security & virtual threats on Android based platforms.
Image taken from mushive.com
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