Google has been maintaining the security in android phones under its own concern. Now the security concerns of Android smart phones will be assisted by Duo Security, DARPA. Malware detection and network security contractor Invincea has been awarded a $21.4 million contract to secure the Google Android OS for military use.
While developers of desktop operating systems and software have accelerated their patching of vulnerabilities, smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers are far slower in securing mobile devices.Android released a security app from Duo security on July 23 which assures to check the operating system on consumer devices for known, but unpatched, security flaws.
“Mobile malware authors have capitalized on the fact that such vulnerabilities go unpatched for many months due to conservative carrier patching practices,” said Jon Oberheide, chief technology officer and co-founder of the company. Duo Security, a DARPA funded project by U.S government that will put wireless carriers’ patching practices under the microscope.”
How does this affect me?
Invincea will focus on controlling access to devices so only pre-selected applications can run without further permissions being given.
The software project is one of the first to get funding under the Cyber Fast Track program, an initiative managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to spur innovative security research by funding small companies and individual researchers.Invincea will focus on controlling access to devices so only pre-selected applications can run without further permissions being given.
Hence a more secure version of the Google Android application is under progress, yet this device has been customized specifically for the agencies personal needs and not for general military use. This software is hopefully meant to extend the plans to the applications of other platforms.