Some of the Security Concerns with Android

Every operating system faces security holes and Android is no exception. Currently, Android is having an increasing issue with viruses and anonymous data collection. The Android Market, one of a number of places for Android user to find applications, has seen a number of apps get labeled as viruses. Google is trying to come up with a solution to the virus issue while still allowing the Android Market to be a place where anyone can develop an app and sell it. The other major security problem stems from Android's built-in ability to record and save various types of information about your phone or tablet. Among the types of information are your phone number, where you are accessing various features on your device based on the network you are connected to, where you are based on places where you actively use the device's GPS radios, and the device's IMEI number (a number that is unique to each device and allows the cellular carrier to identify it). The problem is that it is not made transparent to the user exactly what information is being saved, it is not easy for the average user to stop this from happening, and the information is not stored securely. Google is currently working with device manufacturers to resolve this issue.