Android Security is Broken — Here’s How We Can Fix It

How Malware infects the Google Play Store and what security researchers can do about it

Why is Mobile Security Important?

Mobile device technology has exploded within the past 10 years, allowing anybody to carry a powerful computing device within the palm of their hand. These devices are always connected and provide services to help consumers go about their day to day lives. While mobile devices make life easier, these connected devices are constantly collecting data on our usage, location, communications and more. Mobile phones are increasingly becoming a part of our lives, and as a result, the data that they log is no longer just bits — it’s a piece of who we are.

While all this data can be useful for providing us intelligent services, users are often unaware of how much and what type of information is collected. And suppose this personal data got into the wrong hands? Our entire identity and privacy would be stripped away from us. It is imperative that users and researchers are aware of what is being collected, both for general awareness as well as for further improvement in the development of technology.

Mobile device operating systems such as Android, authorize the use of sensitive data only…