security risks. Despite periodic updates and changes in the software, it has remained open to dangers and attacks but remains one of the world’s most sought-after mobile operating systems. Android is vulnerable to threats because of many reasons. One of them is the open nature of the app store Google Play. Additionally, users tend to deactivate security features and security updates from Google. It is mainly due to a lack of awareness of potential security issues. Gone are the days when cybercriminals targeted whole networks and systems. The threat is higher than ever because people use their phones for more personal purposes, such as banking, saving private personal information, making online purchases, and handling social media accounts. Hackers have evolved their ways by making their way into tablets and smartphones as well.

This article explores the various threats that are major security issues on Android phones. Let us have a look at a few of the significant ones.

1. App-based threats: Cybercriminals have been attacking through the route that one can least expect on the phone, through instant messaging apps, inbuilt music apps, and social media apps. It becomes clear, therefore, how the threat landscape has moved from computers to portable devices. Hackers can take full advantage of any application that can become a vehicle to send links. Creating complicated social engineering attacks is more accessible by luring users into sharing their credentials and other private data. Viruses and malware through ads in other seemingly harmless apps can also compromise android devices. 2. Google Play malware: One of the most significant security risks in Android devices is the uncontrolled download of third-party apps from the play store. Google places no restrictions on developers adding their apps on Google Play. Since it is an app store developed by Google, users tend to put blind trust and download various applications. Due to faulty curation, any transfer of malicious malware or codes through the applications is not a big deal. 3. Man-in-the-middle attacks: If users rely on public Wi-Fi to stay connected to the internet while being on the move, they can become targets of man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. These occur when a perpetrator secretly intercepts the communication between a device and a website to monitor the traffic. The security of one’s data then becomes vulnerable. MITM has become a common type of attack because more people have been showing an inclination towards using public Wi-Fi. 4. Phishing: Phishing has become a more popular cyberattack than it was a few years ago. Fraudsters using phishing techniques to defraud users have been a phenomenon on the rise. Sending links and malware therein can trick people into sharing sensitive information by downloading malicious malware or giving away data on a website or to a fraud call. Device files and private information can easily be accessed after that. 5. Advertising malware: Malvertising, as it has come to be known, spreads via applications downloaded from the play store. Simply put, it is when malware is embedded into an app, making its way into a device after being downloaded from the app store. Cybercrime cases through malvertising have been rising every year since the last decade. 6. Feature-based threats: Mobile features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can become accessible vehicles for fraudsters to do their deed. Malware can be installed on the phone without a user even being aware. Proximity to a device can make connecting to another device more effortless, and targets can be exploited.

Methods to improve security on Android devices:

The rise in the quality and type of cyberattacks makes it compelling for users to know what they can do to minimize loss and bypass threats. Here are some tips: 1. Downloading secure apps: The trustworthiness of apps should be determined before downloading to ensure that malware does not transfer to the device through these apps. 2. Installing an Android VPN: A VPN secures all the traffic using end-to-end encryption. This makes it impossible for a device to be intercepted by malicious actors. 3. Endpoint Security software: A reliable & latest anti-virus should be installed to add an extra layer of protection. This will ensure that all apps are scanned before they are made available on a device. 4. Be suspicious: Caution should be exercised when opening attachments and links. Private information should not be shared if a website looks unreliable and faulty. 5. Disable wireless connections when not in use: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be kept turned off when not in use on a device. This blocks the entryway for any hacker from connecting his devices to one’s own

Conclusion:

Android users should actively practice the above security measures and be aware of the many threats from cyber-attackers increased ‘knowledge.’ Keeping security as a priority is vital instead of blindly relying on any app or operating system just because it is licensed and legitimate because fraudsters know their way around many blockages.

About SNS:

Security Network Solutions (SNS) provides a quantifiable, risk-based approach to building a global structure of cybersecurity infrastructure based on internationally recognized frameworks and practices. We have been providing services and catering to clients across industries for the last 22 years. Write to us at [email protected] or visit us at www.snsin.com.