Slideshow: Lookout Mobile Security Protects Android Smartphones (click image for larger view and for slideshow)In case you missed this week's bombshell, Google wants to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. While Google's master plan for its Motorola acquisition remains a closely guarded secret, the company has been portraying it as a patent-related business opportunity.

Interestingly, however, Motorola's smartphones have great rapport with businesses. "Of all the major OEMs, Motorola has been one of the most focused on bringing Android into the workplace," said David Richardson, lead Android engineer at smartphone security firm Lookout, in a blog post. In other words, Google's Motorola acquisition may also be a strategy for landing more business customers.

But to succeed, Android will arguably have to address some current security shortcomings. Here, then, is how Google might use the Motorola deal to boost Android's security:

Master Monoculture

Unlike Apple's walled garden approach to iOS and its vetting of AppStore offerings, "anything can go" on an Android phone--and does. "To date, iOS has more security features available and is generally considered more secure than Android by corporate IT and security folks," said Andrew Hoog, chief investigative officer for digital forensics and security company