security

CNET news is asking whether or not Android will spur a wave of viruses that target mobile phones.

At the heart of the article is this blog post at F-secure's site, in which they state “The key issue here is whether Android will go for totally open systems.” F-secure is the creator of security software for Symbian and Windows CE, so they're, like, experts and stuff.

Just yesterday, McAfee global marketing manager Jan Volzke stated “McAfee is looking forward to support this new initiative by contributing our security expertise and technology leadership.” No word yet on whether the OHA is taking them up on the offer. McAfee is already a member of the LiMo foundation.

Many experts believe that making Android's open source will result in a more secure platform. The argument is that with complete transaparancy security issues can be identified and fixed more quickly and easily. Ben Whitaker of Masabi, a mobile security company, is quoted here as saying "Gphone is open source, which means it can get a good kicking and shoeing, and can be worked on by just about anyone,"

Traditionally, Linux has been less of a target for virus writers and crackers because it was not a popular platform. If Android becomes ubiquitous, will the number of exploits targeting Linux go up? Will my Debian install be in greater danger?