The document discusses the rising threats in mobile security, particularly focusing on the increasing prevalence of malware, especially on Android platforms, with a 384% rise in threats since 2012. It highlights the privacy risks associated with free apps, as a significant percentage track users' locations and share data with ad networks. Additionally, it outlines common activities of mobile trojans, including unauthorized SMS sending, location tracking, and data theft.

1. Mobile Security
Treading Through the Unsafe World
of Computing
RAHUL NEEL MANI
EDITOR-DYNAMICCISO.COM
GREYHEAD MEDIA
2014

2. Top Free & Paid Apps with Risky Behavior
TOP PAID APPS WITH RISKY BEHAVIORS: iOS & ANDROID
TOP FREE APPS WITH RISKY BEHAVIORS: IOS & ANDROID
SOURCE: APPTHORITY SUMMER 2014 APP REPUTATION REPORT

3. Cumulative Breakdown of Android Apps
14% 15%
14%
13%
6%
38%
MALICIOUS
SUSPICIOUS
UNWANTED
MODERATE
BENIGN
TRUSTWORTHY
THIS CHART REPRESENTS AN ANALYSIS OF 4 MILLION ANDROID APPS. TOTAL THREAT TO ANDROID
DEVICES ROSE 384% IN COMPARISON TO 2012 DATA. SOURCE: WEBROOT REPORT 2013

4. Cumulative Breakdown of iOS APPS
MODERATE
7%
92%
1%
TRUSTWORTHY
BENIGN
THESE CLASIFICATIONS REPRESENT OVER 1 MILLION ANALYZED iOS APPS.
SOURCE: WEBROOT REPORT 2013

5. What Data is Most Often Collected
SOURCE: APPTHORITY SUMMER 2014 APP REPUTATION REPORT
POPULARITY OF FREE APPS COMES AT A HUGE PRICE PAID TOWARDS PRIVACY AND
SECURITY. YOUR APP IS FREE BUT YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS COMPROMISED
82% of top
android
free apps
and 50% of
top iOS
free apps
track user’s
location
followed by
accessing
address
book and
calendars

6. Where Does the Data Go
SOURCE: APPTHORITY SUMMER 2014 APP REPUTATION REPORT
71% of
top free
Android
apps and
32% of
top free
iOS apps
share
your data
with ad
networks
WHAT IF THE APP IS FREE, THE DEVELOPERS HAVE WAYS TO GENERATE REVENUES

7. Mobile Malware: Spreading Faster
• In 2013 the rate of growth in the appearance of new mobile malware, which almost exclusively
targets the Android platform, was far greater than the growth rate of new malware targeting
PCs. In the last two quarters reported, new PC malware growth was nearly flat, while
appearances of new Android samples grew by 33%. MCAFEE LABS 2014 THREAT PREDICTIONS
South Africa1.29%
Romania 1.27%
Japan: 0.93%
Indonesia 0.80%
Poland 0.77%
Lithuania 0.50%
SOURCE:FORNINET2014THREATLANDSCAPEREPORT

8. Prevalence of Mobile Malware Infections, 2013
SOURCE: FORNINET 2014 THREAT LANDSCAPE REPORT

9. How’s It Harming
Trojans are currently the most common type of Mobile Malware.
Most Trojans engage in one of the following activities:
– SMS Sending: Silently send SMS to premium-rate numbers or SMS-
based subscription service
– File or App Downloading: Download and install unsolicited files or
apps on the device
– Location Tracking: Silently track the device’s GPS location and/or
audio or video to monitor users
– Bank Frauds: Silently monitor or divert banking related SMS messages
– Data Stealing: Steal personal data such as files, contacts, photos and
other details
– Fee Charging: Charge a ‘Fee’ for use/update/installation of a
legitimate (and usually free app)