The entry of Google in the mobile industry through open mobile platform Android and its supporters called Open Handset Alliance have the potential to alter the playing field and possibly change the way we use our mobile phones.

Although its competitors such as Nokia’s Symbian and Microsoft’s Windows Live downplay its impact, the excitement and anticipation of many mobile companies, analysts, and mobile apps developers continue to surge.

While there are indeed several advantages of using Android, mobile security provider SMobile Systems quickly cautioned that this open architecture combined with the popularity of Google will greatly increase the incidence of hacking, malwares, and other mobile viruses in the near future.

Using the Linux-based operating system gives many spammers and phishers the power to explore and exploit the loopholes in numerous third party software to create very formidable mobile viruses.

Today, security experts have identified more than 400 mobile viruses. Unlike before when these viruses are merely annoyances, new viruses are more lethal, undetectable, and cunningly created to deliver damaging effects to mobile consumers. For instance, the Bluetooth technology can now be manipulated to infect other wireless devices in the vicinity. In some cases, it can steal information and turn mobile phones to zombie dialers.

Ironically, the greatest weakness of Android lies in its greatest strength – easy Internet access and download of applications. An open platform opens the door to the community of hackers and the idea of bringing down a search engine giant is enough to inspire more dangerous mobile viruses.

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