Google warns about rogue anti-virus apps in Android Marketplace

Don’t be in a haste to install just any anti-virus program from the Android Marketplace, as it may be a Trojan that will mess up your phone. In the past four months, malicious software attacks have risen by 472 percent on Android smartphones and according to Google, there are plenty of rogue apps parading around as legit software. Some attacks include using up the EDGE or 3G data in the background, while others send SMS to premium numbers, fattening up your monthly bill.

Beware of rogue apps

It’s easy to fall prey to such apps, as they cleverly disguise themselves by posting fake user reviews and high ratings, which would tempt an unsuspecting victim to download the app. Chris DiBona, Google's open-source programs manager stated in a blog post, “No major cell phone has a 'virus' problem in the traditional sense that Windows and some Mac machines have seen. Virus companies are playing on your fears to try to sell you bulls***protection software for Android.” The Android Marketplace is now the most popular platform for downloading apps beating the iPhone and iPad. But unlike the apps in Apple’s Appstore, which go through stringent checks, nothing as such exists for Android, which gives hackers a field day.

Honestly, anti-virus software are not needed on mobiles, just as long as you don’t download random apps you should be just fine.