Android devices owners warned: beware of malware

With millions of Android devices in use, it was only a matter of time before the systems became malware targets. But new research shows just how rich a target the system has become.

The study from the University of Cambridge has shocking findings for Android users, according to CBS News. The research found that most developers do not include adequate security features, leaving a whopping 87 percent of Android devices at risk from malware.

The study followed phones used by 20,000 consumers who installed the Device Analyzer app from the Google Play store. The researchers traced the app and pulled data from the phones over the past four years as it ran in the background.

The data included information on whether the phones had the most updated software, whether developers had fixed vulnerabilities, and the proportion of the device that had no security risks.

Two recent revelations have raised concerns about Android device security risks. This summer, one security firm found that the “Stagefright bug” could attack devices from Android’s media playbook tool, letting hackers send a malicious text message to users. Another issue was raised when it was announced that a flaw in some Android phones could allow hackers to take control of the phones remotely.

Some devices fared better than others. Android products from the Google Nexus brand, Motorola and LG were less likely to fall prey to malicious apps than most other Android devices.