Google spoke out against allegations its Android OS is not secure, saying claims are fraudulent even as malware attacks against Android are predicted to increase and the company reduces platform fragmentation.
Chris DiBona, Google manager of open source programs, spoke out against Android's reported vulnerability to malware in a public post last week, saying antivirus and security firms are playing on consumer fears in an effort to sell more protection software. He called analysts predicting increasing attacks and vendors touting protection software "charlatans and scammers."
Android's openness of its app marketplace and platform is both an asset and a liability for the Mountain View, Calif.-based company. It allows developers to upload apps to its marketplace for $25 while remaining anonymous, making it a popular target for spyware. However, it also enables rapid, widespread adoption of Google's platform and a greater variety of apps to satisfy consumers.
DiBona suggests Android users may need to be better educated about the apps they download from the Android Marketplace, as well as doing their own research about a security firm's claims before they decide to purchase protection software.
Google is taking steps to defend against malware attacks, which are predicted by security experts to increase in 2012. The company's latest Android update, called "Ice Cream Sandwich," was released to developers to ensure future apps are more secure and to provide consistency across devices to combat fragmentation.
The search giant is also likely banking on its acquisition of device-maker Motorola to help solve security issues, particularly for enterprise users who are turning to Android in increasing numbers in the wake of BlackBerry's decline. Motorola began selling enterprise security software created by 3LM last month in an effort to improve the safety of Android devices and increase their appeal to business users.
Consumers also have reason for concern. Malware attacks this year have accessed and shared Android users' personal information, breaches that may become a bigger problem as consumers begin using mobile payment systems, potentially putting bank and credit card information at risk.
Currently, Android consumers often protect their smartphones with outside security programs from companies like McAfee and Lookout, but as Google dives into the mobile payment field, it may devise its own solutions, possibly avoiding interference by third-party firms.
Until then, Android's malware problems are far from over. Juniper Networks recently reported the number of malware-infected apps in the Android market increased 472 percent in the last four months, and up to a million Android devices may be infected before the year is out. Antivirus giant McAfee also called Android the "primary target for mobile malware" in its third-quarter report.
Chris DiBona, Google manager of open source programs, spoke out against Android's reported vulnerability to malware in a public post last week, saying antivirus and security firms are playing on consumer fears in an effort to sell more protection software. He called analysts predicting increasing attacks and vendors touting protection software "charlatans and scammers."
Android's openness of its app marketplace and platform is both an asset and a liability for the Mountain View, Calif.-based company. It allows developers to upload apps to its marketplace for $25 while remaining anonymous, making it a popular target for spyware. However, it also enables rapid, widespread adoption of Google's platform and a greater variety of apps to satisfy consumers.
DiBona suggests Android users may need to be better educated about the apps they download from the Android Marketplace, as well as doing their own research about a security firm's claims before they decide to purchase protection software.
Google is taking steps to defend against malware attacks, which are predicted by security experts to increase in 2012. The company's latest Android update, called "Ice Cream Sandwich," was released to developers to ensure future apps are more secure and to provide consistency across devices to combat fragmentation.
The search giant is also likely banking on its acquisition of device-maker Motorola to help solve security issues, particularly for enterprise users who are turning to Android in increasing numbers in the wake of BlackBerry's decline. Motorola began selling enterprise security software created by 3LM last month in an effort to improve the safety of Android devices and increase their appeal to business users.
Consumers also have reason for concern. Malware attacks this year have accessed and shared Android users' personal information, breaches that may become a bigger problem as consumers begin using mobile payment systems, potentially putting bank and credit card information at risk.
Currently, Android consumers often protect their smartphones with outside security programs from companies like McAfee and Lookout, but as Google dives into the mobile payment field, it may devise its own solutions, possibly avoiding interference by third-party firms.
Until then, Android's malware problems are far from over. Juniper Networks recently reported the number of malware-infected apps in the Android market increased 472 percent in the last four months, and up to a million Android devices may be infected before the year is out. Antivirus giant McAfee also called Android the "primary target for mobile malware" in its third-quarter report.
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