The amount of malware targeted at Android devices jumped nearly 37 per cent since last quarter, according to a new report from digital security firm McAfee. 

McAfee says 2011 is on track to be the busiest year in history in terms of mobile and general malware. 

Malware authors are capitalising on the popularity of Android devices, says the company, demonstrated by the fact that the Android platform was the only mobile operating system for all new mobile malware in Q3. One of the most popular forms of trickery in Q3 was SMS-sending Trojans that collect personal information and steal money. Another new method of stealing user information is malware that records phone conversations and forwards them to the attacker.

Aside from the mobile threat, the report also says that Mac malware continues to rise with the popularity of the OS, while it is noted that attackers are getting more sophisticated when it comes to spam and messaging threats – varying their tactics according to region. Apparently, so-called 419 fraud works best in the UK. 

To download the full McAfee Threats Report: Third Quarter 2011 report, head to the McAfee website.