Monetizing Android malware

Up until now, the usual method of monetizing Android malware had been to subscribe to premium SMS text message services owned by affiliates of the cyber-criminals. Other than this, monetization of malware on the smartphone platform had been rather difficult. Data can be stolen, but has not proven to be deemed as particularly valuable in the dark markets where such information is traded. It should come as no surprise, as users and security vendors alike start to wise up to the SMS dialling scams, that the bad guys should look to come up with something new.