Chapter 1

Introduction

In this chapter, we introduce the reader to the mobile devices landscape and demonstrate why Android security matters. We analyze the evolution of mobile security threats, from basic phones to smartphones (including ones running the Android platform). We move on to introduce Android history, releases, and marketplaces for Android applications.

1.1 Why Android

The number of mobile and Internet users on mobile devices has been skyrocketing. If statistics are any indication, the adoption of mobile devices in emerging and advanced economies has just started and is slated for huge growth in the next decade (see Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1

Basic vs. Smartphone Ownership in the United States

According to data available through ...

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