Malware targeting Android phones is on the rise

An estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion people owned Android phones as of last spring

An estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion people owned Android phones as of last spring

Malware targeting Android phones is on the rise

An estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion people owned Android phones as of last spring

Malware that targets Android-based smartphones is on the rise, according to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks earlier this week. "Ewind," a form of adware that's been infiltrating devices since last year, is infecting popular Android games like "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," "Minecraft: Pocket Edition" and browser "Opera Mobile."How does "Ewind" work?Hackers download a legitimate app, deconstruct its source code, add deceptive malware or adware like "Ewind," then repackage the Android application package (APK). The new, infected app is then uploaded to third party stores to lure in unsuspecting users."Ewind" can be nasty - once it gains access to a smartphone, attackers can send commands that lock its screen, display unwanted ads and even prevent the the infected app's removal. It can also infiltrate the device's text messages and contacts.Earlier this month, 132 infected Android apps were found in the Google Play store. One of the most popular apps had been downloaded more than 10,000 times.The Google-developed operating system is "more open and adaptable," said security software company Sophos. This makes it easier to hack.Apps featured in Apple's iOS store have gone through an in-depth examination. The thorough vetting process blocks "widespread malware infection" among iPhone users, though malicious software targeting iOS-based systems is on the rise, according to a report from SIXGILL.Applications infected with malware are becoming problematic for Android app developers and consumers. As of last spring, an estimated 1.3 to 1.4 billion people owned Android phones.Cybersecurity experts warn smartphone owners to avoid downloading third-party apps from unofficial sources, but the presence of malicious apps in official stores make it difficult for users to identify which ones can be trusted.

Malware that targets Android-based smartphones is on the rise, according to cybersecurity firm earlier this week.

that's been infiltrating devices since last year, is infecting popular Android games like "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," "Minecraft: Pocket Edition" and browser "Opera Mobile."

How does "Ewind" work?

Hackers download a legitimate app, deconstruct its source code, add deceptive malware or adware like "Ewind," then repackage the Android application package (APK). The new, infected app is then uploaded to third party stores to lure in unsuspecting users.

"Ewind" can be nasty - once it gains access to a smartphone, attackers can send commands that lock its screen, display unwanted ads and even prevent the the infected app's removal. It can also infiltrate the device's text messages and contacts.

, 132 infected Android apps were found in the Google Play store. One of the most popular apps had been downloaded more than 10,000 times.

The Google-developed operating system is "more open and adaptable," said security . This makes it easier to hack.

Apps featured in Apple's iOS store have gone through an in-depth examination. The thorough vetting process blocks "widespread malware infection" among iPhone users, though malicious software targeting iOS-based systems is on the rise, according to a report from .

Applications infected with malware are becoming problematic for Android app developers and consumers. As of last spring, billion people owned Android phones.

Cybersecurity experts warn smartphone owners to avoid downloading third-party apps from unofficial sources, but the presence of malicious apps in official stores make it difficult for users to identify which ones can be trusted.

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