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Last year Android is strengthening its position on the smartphone market with 81 % of all mobile devices shipped worldwide. Trends for 2014: The Challenge of Internet Privacy whitepaper by ESET®, the global leader in proactive digital protection, shows that this trend is reflected in the growing number of attacks on the platform. While in 2010 ESET have discovered three malware families, in 2013 this number has grown to more than 79 families, a 26-times increase.

Figure: Growth Android Threats Detected by ESET January 2012 – November 2013

Moreover, last year our researchers identified new threats previously known from Windows and other non-mobile platforms including Dropper Trojan , Clicker Trojan and Bank Trojan. In 2013 ESET published whitepaper Hesperbot: A New, Advanced Banking Trojan in the Wild which was targeting users in several European countries. Part of this malware scheme was mobile application for Android, Symbian and Blackberry OS, which was bypassing multi-factor authentication used when logging into internet banking.

Some of the 2013 Android threats exploited vulnerabilities of the operating system itself. Perhaps the best known is the “Master Key” vulnerability discovered by Bluebox lab, which makes it easier for attackers to develop malicious codes stealing information, turning devices into zombies and camouflaging them as genuine applications. Recently, vulnerability was uncovered in the latest update to Android OS - 4.4 KitKat discovered by researchers from Ben Gurion University in Israel which allows attacker to intercept and divert secure virtual private network traffic.

ESET recently launched a mobile week initiative on the occasion of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona enabling users to enjoy premium features of ESET Mobile Security for just half of the original price. In addition, new version of this complex solution was introduced in BETA phase with brand new Anti-Theft web interface on my.eset.com. it is open for participation, simply by joining the Google+ Community page ESET Mobile Applications BETA Testing.

To discover more about Android threats, visit WeLiveSecurity.com also containing A buffet of 2014 security and privacy predictions written by ESET‘s popular bloggers Stephen Cobb, Aryeh Goretsky, Righard Zwienenberg and Lysa Myers.

About ESET
ESET, the pioneer of proactive protection and the maker of the award-winning NOD32 technology which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012, is a global provider of security solutions for businesses and consumers. The Company continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. ESET NOD32 Antivirus holds the world record for the number of Virus Bulletin "VB100” Awards, and has never missed a single “In-the-Wild” worm or virus since the inception of testing in 1998. ESET has been selected as one of the most innovative companies in Europe for the 2011 HSBC European Business Awards and holds number of accolades from AV-Comparatives, AV Test and other organizations. ESET NOD32 Antivirus, ESET Smart Security and ESET Cyber Security for Mac are trusted by millions of global users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world.

The Company has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with regional distribution centers in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Singapore; with offices in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Prague (Czech Republic). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Košice (Slovakia), Cracow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia), and an extensive partner network for 180 countries. . For more information, visit our local office at https://eset.version-2.sg.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Limited is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 Limited offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which includes Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Version 2 Singapore Pte Ltd is the local office of Version 2 Limited.
For more information, please visit https://www.version-2.com.sg/ or call (65) 6296-4268.