According to Google, the chances of being hit by ransomware on Android are really rare. And Android Nougat 7.0 still improves security
There's one question that plagues many Android users and that's about cyber security. Do antiviruses really help? According to some experts, the only threats to mobile devices come from opening suspicious files or downloading apps from unofficial markets.
Others think otherwise, especially considering the numerous malware discovered even in apps published in the green robot's store. Infections so sophisticated, that sometimes they even manage to fool the strict source controls carried out by Google. A few weeks ago, malware was discovered in a video game application in the Android digital store. Then ransomware, the dreaded ransomware virus, was also found hiding inside an app that was supposed to be used to boost the battery. In theory.
Malware and viruses on Android: isolated cases
If viruses and malware manage to break through Android's control systems, protecting yourself becomes really difficult. However, Google reassures its users, especially regarding ransomware. The American company claims that the chances of being affected by this dangerous threat are really rare. And it publishes some data: since 2015, less than 0.00001 % of the apps in the Google Play Store have been classified as ransomware. While only 1% of apps downloaded from other unofficial sources contained the ransomware virus. Users, according to Big G, run more risk of being struck by lightning twice in their lifetime, than being infected on Android by ransomware.
Security improved with Android Nougat 7.0
Google also claims that the sandboxing techniques used, which allow it to isolate various malicious processes and protect user data, further improve Android's security level. Tools that have been refined again with Android Nougat 7.0. In particular, new protection systems have been introduced that will prevent an app from spying on the activities of other apps installed on devices, prevent ransomware from taking over the phone's permissions and protect against clickjacking, i.e. deceptive links that direct users to ransomware. All good, too bad though that Android Nougat only runs on a few devices. 3%, according to some data.