"One In Six Android Phones In Developing Markets Infected"

The mobile technology provider Upstream released a new report exploring the state of the mobile market during the COVID-19 pandemic and delving into the challenges that are expected to be experienced in 2021 regarding fraud and malware. The report reveals the security challenges surrounding Android devices in developing nations. One of the key findings of the report is that one in six Android Phones in developing markets are infected with mobile malware. These developing markets include Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, and South Africa. According to Upstream, these countries are disproportionately impacted by mobile infections compared to the rest of the world because they use third-party stores more than other countries. Indonesia was found to have one of the highest infection rates, with more than 99 percent of mobile transactions in that country having been flagged as fraudulent and blocked by Upstream. Brazil follows with a block rate of 96 percent, with Thailand coming in third place at 92 percent. Cybercriminals are increasingly using third-party stores instead of the official Google Play store in the distribution of mobile malware to evade detection. Upstream found that over 70 percent of malware-infected apps are present on third-party stores. Other reasons as to why developing nations are the most impacted by mobile infections include poor network infrastructure, lack of Wi-Fi, and scarcity of digital skills. This article continues to discuss Upstream's findings regarding mobile device infections in developing nations and the increase in malware-infected apps on third-party stores.

Silicon UK reports "One In Six Android Phones In Developing Markets Infected"