The Threat of Split-Personality Android Malware on Developing Economy

Abstract

Purpose: Android Smartphones and Tablets are massively proliferating into every sector of national economies. The developed economies are well advanced in making preparations against any eventualities and security challenges that might arise with the adoption of these technologies. Developing economies on the other hand are not well ready to face the different devastating challenges. This work seeks to critically evaluate the security threats associated with Android malware, especially the awareness rate of Android users to the existence of Android malware and the associated cyber threats on growing economies. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey was adopted and secondary literatures were critically analyzed to fulfill the objectives of the research. Findings: The findings revealed very low rate of Android malware and cyber threats awareness amongst users in developing economies. Practical Implications: With the evasive and sophisticated nature of malware, such as the Split-personality malwares, low or zero awareness rates of malware threats and the acceptable cybersecurity behaviours and practices can have a huge negative impact on the growth of any economy. Originality: The results and findings in this study were primarily derived and analyzed by the Authors. It is a unique study in the field of Android malware research