Smart Phone Technology Has Been Continually Innovating.

¶ … smart phone technology has been continually innovating. This is because many of the applications are more user-friendly and can offer everyone something that is of interest to them. At the heart of these changes, is the battle that is occurring between Google and Apple. In case of the Google Android, there are more free applications and the device is incredibly popular. Evidence of this can be seen with the fact that the 64% of all new programs and applications are designed for the Android. While the Apple I Phone is accounting for just 27% of the total mobile applications that are developed. This is significant, in showing how the markets are shifting with new technology becoming more mobile. (Tongbo, 2012)

However, there are major security risks associated with using the either device. This is because the firewall and traditional protections on various applications are weaker. As a result, hackers have been able to directly target any kind of security features, overcome them and have access to all data that is stored on the phone. This increases the chances that someone could have their most sensitive information compromised. To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at the different tools that are being utilized to gain access to the Android. Once this takes place, is when these vulnerabilities will be exposed (which allows for the company and users to protect themselves). (Tongbo, 2012)

The Strategies Hackers are using to Access the Android

The basic strategy that hackers are using to target Android customers is through: malicious applications and web pages. The utilization of malicious applications is when criminals will trick the user into uploading a specific program on their phone. This can occur, through the developer creating a solution that will work like a Trojan horse (once it is uploaded). While at the same time, they can break into legitimate applications and insert their codes into them. In either case, they can see and access all of the information on the device through Web View. This is when they are given the same kind of access as the owner of the phone. The only difference is the application, has tricked the security software into thinking this is not a theat. When in reality, this software is giving hackers' unprecedented access to the information on the device. (Tongbo, 2012)

A malicious web page is similar to this kind of application. The only difference is that criminals are using the Internet to encourage Google Android users to upload a particular program. This is disguised as legitimate software that will address specific needs of the user. However, once they upload it to their phone, is when they are giving hackers access to this information. This is showing how criminal enterprises will often involve using the Java source code to hide their real intentions. Once this happens, is when the application will perform normally. While at the same time, the user is unaware, that outside third parties can monitor these activities on a regular basis. This is the point that any kind security protocols will be ineffective against a potential attack. (Tongbo, 2012)