Malware targeting Google Android quadruples in 2010

Malware aimed at Google's Android mobile operating system rose fourfold in 2010, compared to 2009, research has shown.

This represented the most significant jump in comparison to other platforms, claimed mobile security specialists AdaptiveMobile.

Reported exploits targeting the iPhone fell, as did new Symbian malware, which dropped by 11 per cent.

However, the overall number of mobile malware infections reported went up 33 per cent, again compared with 2009 figures.

"With the increasing pervasiveness of smartphone devices, 2010 has undoubtedly been the year that fraudsters have truly turned their attention to mobile platforms," said Gareth Maclachlan, chief operating officer at AdaptiveMobile.

"The vast majority of consumers are acutely aware of the threats that PC-based viruses, spam messages and phishing emails pose, but many are still unaware of the risks associated with their mobile devices."

A EU issue

The threat to smartphones is also being highlighted by European officials.

The EU's cyber protection body, the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), recently released a report on mobile security, urging people to consider the rising threat.

In the report, ENISA outlined a number of key dangers related to smartphone security, including accidental data loss and data theft through malicious apps.

It also pointed to "diallerware" - malicious software that steals money via unauthorised phone calls.

"Given the growing importance of smartphones for EU businesses, governments and citizens, we consider it essential to assess their security and privacy implications," said Dr Udo Helmbrecht, executive director of ENISA.

"Smartphones are a goldmine of sensitive and personal information it's vital to understand how to maintain our control over this data," added Dr Giles Hogben, co-author of the report.