The OS fragmentation in Android is not just Google’s problem but also a concern for the Federal Government. According to the reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claim that, there is incapability of android devices that expose US agencies to a significantly greater malware threat in large part, as so many devices run outdated versions of the mobile OS.
79 percent of the malicious attacks documented in the study, took place on from an Android device. However, Apple’s iOS acknowledged just 0.7 percent of the recorded malware threats. Adding up to fragmentation, the DHS and FBI claim that, Android is the most widely used mobile OS on the planet which also makes it a common target for hackers.
In the study which is based off of data collected in the year 2012, about half of the malware threats Android devices encountered came by way text messages that installed attacking apps. Android devices shouldn’t be used was claimed by no organization. However, the DHS and FBI did issue a joint statement that offering the study’s findings as something for fire, police, and other emergency responders to consider. No response was received from Google at the press.
In the study, 19 percent of malicious attacks were documented from Symbian, which is the old mobile OS that Nokia has largely given up on. However, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices have a respective 0.3 percent of the malware pie. The study shows that, DHS and FBI advice that, the mounting usage of mobile devices by state, federal, and local authorities makes it further important than ever to keep mobile OS patched and up-to-date.
Although that is implemented, manufacturer policies and carrier politics mean that, operating system updates and fixes aren’t not even an option for many Android devices.