The Impact of Android Malware On Mobile Health Applications (Mhealth Apps) Services

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Date

2016

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Published by IEEE Nigeria Computer Chapter in collaboration with Department of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract

Sophisticated and advanced malware are being created on a daily basis and have become one most stealthy and dangerous attack approach used against critical information technology infrastructures in recent times. This paper seeks to expose Android malware attack strategies and concealment techniques and the consequent impacts on the security and privacy of electronic healthcare (eHealth) systems, particularly mobile health applications (mHealth apps). The main aim is to reveal the danger ignorant and vulnerable users, especially the sick and desperate, are exposed to when it comes to issues of Trust and Privacy arising from the use of these prevalent technology. A detailed analysis, based on secondary literatures, of various malware propagation methods and infection vectors was conducted. The research revealed that the healthcare industry information technology infrastructures experience the most of cyber attacks in recent years above other industries. With the adoption of ICT in Medicare, hospitals now accrues and stores more sensitive and personal data about their patients, more than accrued by banks and employers, but gives little or no attention to the security of their information systems. Malware attacks poses serious threats to information management and can distort critical health services such as the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The paper concludes by recommending for extensive peer-review of mHealth apps and for intensive measures to be taken by hospitals in implementing and continuous monitoring of a secured ICT infrastructure.

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Keywords

Android, Operating System (OS), information infrastructure,, Malware, mHealth, eHealth, Information Security, Communicable Disease, Non- Communicable Disease

Citation

Benjamin Gyunka and Abikoye, Oluwakemi (2016): The Impact of Android Malware on Mobile Health Applications (mHealth Apps) Services Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of IEEE Nigeria Computer Chapter in collaboration with Department of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Oluwade, B.A., Babatunde, A.O. & Faruk, N.(eds.)102- 109. Published by IEEE Nigeria Computer Chapter in collaboration with Department of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

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