It's true that smartphones continue to get more capable and useful as time goes by, and are being adopted by enterprises in droves. While viruses and malware aimed at smartphones are rare, many security experts believe that it's only a matter of time before hackers turn their attention to the likes of the iPhone, Android phones, and Windows Phone 7 devices.
Security software vendor Trend Micro believes that the Android OS is more vulnerable than competing phone OSes, with Trend Micro Chairman Steve Chang recently being quoted by Bloomberg saying that "Android is open-source, which means the hacker can also understand the underlying architecture and source code.” Chang also gave props in the same interview to Apple, saying that “We have to give credit to Apple, because they are very careful about it. It’s impossible for certain types of viruses [to operate on the iPhone]"
In order to help address security threats to Android devices, Trend Micro has released Trend Micro Mobile Security, an Android app that provides download protection, parental control, safe surfing functionality, and call and text filtering options.
In a statement announcing the new security product, Trend Micro General Manager Carol Carpenter stressed that the rapid growth of Android devices makes them a compelling target for attack.
"With the Android platforms rapid growth, cybercriminals will be rushing to take advantage of these mobile devices anyway they can," Carpenter said. "Trend Micro Mobile Security highlights our continuing goal of protecting our customers anytime, on any device."
So what are your thoughts? Is Trend Micro talking up the security risks of Android devices in order to sell more product, or do you believe that the Android OS is inherently less secure than other mobile OSes? And do you believe the iPhone is as secure as Chang suggests? Share your thoughts by adding a comment to this blog post or continuing the discussion on Twitter.
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