Changes

==Spyware/Privacy Concerns==

==Spyware/Privacy Concerns==

The Google Market app is the most popular way to install new applications on Android. Some of these uploaded applications have been spyware.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110228/tc_pcworld/moremobilespywarehitsandroid_1]</ref> In response to apps like this, Google has enabled the "killswitch", which allows Google Market to uninstall, or even install programs on the user's device, to fix the offending apps. While many have applauded this as a good anti-malware procedure, many have also expressed concern over Google's ability to install and remove software on all phones through the Google Market system.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/google-flips-android-kill-switch-destroys-a-batch-of-malicious/]</ref>

The Google Market app is the most popular way to install new applications on Android. Some of these uploaded applications have been [[spyware]].<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110228/tc_pcworld/moremobilespywarehitsandroid_1]</ref> In response to apps like this, Google has enabled the "killswitch", which allows Google Market to uninstall, or even install programs on the user's device, to fix the offending apps. While many have applauded this as a good anti-malware procedure, many have also expressed concern over Google's ability to install and remove software on all phones through the Google Market system.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/google-flips-android-kill-switch-destroys-a-batch-of-malicious/]</ref>

Another recent vulnerability was found in the online Market system, which allowed installing software simply by clicking a malicious link. According to Chief Technology Officer Kevin Mahaffey, "When the malware gets on your phone it basically issues a blank check for additional apps to be downloaded"<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20040246-245.html]</ref>

Another recent vulnerability was found in the online Market system, which allowed installing software simply by clicking a malicious link. According to Chief Technology Officer Kevin Mahaffey, "When the malware gets on your phone it basically issues a blank check for additional apps to be downloaded"<ref>http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20040246-245.html</ref>

 

Other vulnerabilities have been found to exist from time to time. One recent issue was called Quadrooter which was discovered in August 2016, which proved a serious security threat to hundreds of millions of devices.<ref>http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/08/a-new-flaw-shows-android-security-is-still-a-patchwork-mess.html</ref>

==Versions==

==Versions==