Android Device With Fingerprint Reader Often Locked

Android devices that have a fingerprint reader are more locked than devices that do not offer this option. This was reported in the published today Google Android Security annual report ( pdf ). The use of screen lock helps according to Google both privacy and security.

However, research shows that many users set a screen lock because they find it difficult. With the launch of Android 5.0, users can, however, choose the "Smart Lock" option, in which a device remains unlocked until it is held by the user. This can be determined on the basis of various items such as Bluetooth, on-body detection 'and a trusted location. This reduces the number of times a user must manually unlock his device.

Since Android 6.0 fingerprint readers are supported, however, and this has a positive effect on the use of screen lock. Users can now unlock your phone using just their fingerprint. From Google figures show that the use of screen lock is more common on devices with a fingerprint reader. Is set at 55.8% of the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 devices screen lock. With Nexus and Nexus 5X- 6P devices, which have a fingerprint reader, this is 91.5%. With other Android devices that have screen lock is being used on a fingerprint reader.

Google: Sharp Drop In Android Malware On Google Play

The number of malicious apps in Google Play has dropped sharply last year, says Google in a new report. For the second time the Internet giant published the Android Security annual report ( pdf ). Compared to 2014 took the risk of the installation of malicious applications by 40% in 2015.

The malicious apps are divided by Google in various categories like apps that collect data, spyware, Trojans and apps to download additional software. The percentage of apps which collects data decreased by 40%, to 0.08% of all installations.Spyware decreased by 60% to 0.02% of the installations and malicious downloaders saw a 50% decrease to 0.01% of all installations. However, the category of Trojans rose from 0.01% to 0.02%. Eventually it was less than 0.15% of all Android Devices that download malicious apps from Google Play only apps installed.

About 0.5% of the devices that was downloaded from Google Play apps as well as other resources to deal with malicious apps. In addition, Google says that it also protects users download these apps from other sources. For this, use the Verify Apps. Warnings Verify apps were improved last year, which was an increase of 50% of users decided not to install the app in question after a warning. End of 2014 Android Phones got to it first with ransomware. This category of malware was according to Google last year found only outside of Google Play.

Android Ransomware Not Give Paying User Penalty

Last week, more than 15,000 e-mails are sent with Android ransomware that occurs when a security update for Adobe Flash Player. The messages contain little text, except that the enclosed APK file, "Check Updates.apk" is an update to Flash Player.

In reality, it is ransomware that locks the device and a warning from the FBI shows. According to the warning, the user would have viewed pornographic websites. To unlock the device must be an amount of $ 500 to be paid. If the user attempts to unlock the device, the amount is increased to $ 1,500, reports the Romanian antivirus company BitDefender .

According to the Spanish security company S21sec ransomware makers find new ways to spread their creations. Currently used mainly social engineering, but new capabilities are added continuously, according to the IT security officer. Users also are advised to install APK files from untrusted sources and email filtering with MOT attachments.

Google Makes Encryption In Android Lollipop Not Required

Late last year announced the first-ever Google Android version that data on smartphones and tablets standard would encrypt, but now the Internet giant seems this measure does not oblige manufacturers.Android 5.0, better known as Lollipop, would "encryption by default" application.

Once users would turn on their device for the first time would be automatic data encryption. A measure that Google criticized investigators came to be, because this would complicate the fight against crime and terrorism. Ars Technica discovered that several Lollipop sets, including demonstration copies of the Samsung Galaxy S6 this week at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona can be seen, no default encryption application.

It also showed that Google earlier this year the guidelines for manufacturers regarding the proper implementation of Lollipop had adjusted devices. The document dated 11 January ( pdf ) is full-disk encryption is highly recommended, but not required.Google however, that the measure is likely to be required somewhere in future versions. One possible reason to drop the requirement is the load for the device, which would slow down by the continuous encryption. Whether this is the real reason is unknown. Namely Google has not yet written a comment.