Lately, many new research studies have been released implying that Android apps have natively embedded malware or spyware. Until Microsoft gets its act together with a large ecosystem and wide adoption of Windows 8 there are really only three main operating systems for enterprise mobile scenarios. And while the BYOD may prove to be more efficient in the short-term, it could cost more in the long term due to the cost of securing, monitoring and administrating several operating systems and applications to guard company information.

The alarmingly high incidence of malware in the Google Playstore (reported to be as high as 55 percent) warrants the introduction of strict administrative policies within companies to control potential threats. Malware in apps could expose valuable company data and IP if the right controls are not put in place. In addition, employees may download apps without corporate control, exposing the organisation to additional hacking.

Google may face a negative backlash from companies choosing not to adopt Android devices due to the high incidence of spyware. If Android were to diminish in usage, it opens the door for other vendors to step up and create another operating system in the mobile space. QNX of BlackBerry is a good example of a different, more secure operating system. Samsung, HTC, Sony and Huawei have also all said they are creating their own OS, but the problem may be eco-system. Samsung and some of the larger mobile players may have an advantage if the apps can be ported from Android easily.

If the malware continues to spread uncontrollably then the marketplace for new mobile players will be wide open for companies that can offer some type of enterprise security to mitigate dangers posed to BYOD. There is plenty of room in this market for growth if tackled correctly.

We have seen companies often overlook the security framework that must be put in place to support BYOD, which includes secure backups and restore, app security, administration, support of multiple devices, the delineation between personal and corporate data, creation of corporate policies for social media and mobile usage, and mitigating the risk of hardware loss. These are all areas where organisations tend to fall short.

ABOUT DYLAN PERSAUD//

Dylan Persaud is the managing director of Eval-Source, a consulting firm that provides enterprise software selection and strategic technology consulting services.