F-Secure's report on security issues in mobile software says that Google's Android accounted for 79% of 301 specific threats in 2012 while Apple's iOS just accounted for 0.7%. In the fourth quarter alone, 96 new families and variants of Android threats were discovered, which almost doubles the number recorded in the previous quarter. Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller took to Twitter for just the 172nd time in five years to say, "Be safe out there", with a link to Mobile Threat Report from Q4 2012 from F-Secure. It's worthwhile to note though that F-Secure, the company reporting about these security problems, is the same company that's selling a costly $10 anti-malware app on Android.
What Else You Need To Know
- To avoid security issues, Android device owners should just download apps and content and Google Play.
- A large portion of the Android malware was contributed by PremiumSMS -- a family of malware that generates profit through shady SMS-sending practices -- which unleashed 21 new variants.
- In April of last year, Apple's marketing chief notoriously claimed that then iOS-exclusive Instagram had "jumped the shark" by opening itself to Android users.
Other sources
Yes, Android is susceptible to malware. Yes, more of it is running around today than in the past. But the problem isn’t as widespread as Schiller would like users to believe.- Kevin Krause, Phandroid
Android malware has been strengthening its position in the mobile threat scene- Joseph Keller, iMore
- Other
- Apple's Phil Schiller pokes fun at Android security on Twitter
- Apple Insider
- Apple marketing chief uses rare Twitter post to take shot at Android security issues
- Phandroid
- Apple marketing chief jumps on latest Android security report
- iMore
- Phil Schiller tweets link to mobile malware report that highlights Android security threats
- Mobile88
- Apple's Phil Schiller takes subtle jab at Android security on Twitter
- iPhone Help
- Android Beats Apple With More Number Of Malware Threats
- Phone Arena
- Apple’s Phil Schiller trash-talking Android for malware: ‘Be safe out there’
- Phones Review
- Secure vs Unsecure: Android beats Apple in mobile malware threat
- The Inquirer
- Apple’s Phil Schiller has a dig at Android's security flaws
- Business Insider SAI
- Android Phones Are Much More Dangerous To Use Than iPhones