malware - Android Community

Tagged: malware

Gingerbread is the most targeted mobile OS for malware

By Dave LeClair
on 6 Nov, 2012

Last week we reported the latest numbers for Android installs, and in a surprise to no one, Gingerbread is by far the most used version of Android, with over 50-percent of devices carrying it. Because of this, it is also the version of the device most targeted by malware, according to a report from Kaspersky Lab. This only stands to reason; if you're going to create malware, you're going to make it for the OS with the most people using it.

Android 4.2 security system cracks down on malware with app scanning

By Eric Abent
on 2 Nov, 2012

Malicious apps on Android may not be as big a problem as some would have you believe, but they are still a threat. That's especially true when you're sideloading apps onto your handset, as Google Play's built in security features don't check third-party apps. While Google Play does scan all apps that are uploaded to the store, apps from third-party sources get to skip the security check, potentially allowing for some nasty situations.

Verizon and McAfee launch mobile security app for Verizon customers

By Cory Gunther
on 11 Sep, 2012

This morning the folks from Verizon announced an all new mobile security app that is being powered by the popular McAfee Anti-Virus company and Asurion. Conveniently they named it Verizon Mobile Security, and it's available right now for the few that feel a security or antivirus app for Android is truly needed.

Fake Angry Birds peddlers fined £50,000

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

Ah, sweet, sweet justice. Instead of the slap on the wrist and a ban from the Google Play Store as usual, the developer of fake versions of several popular Android games like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope will get a more lasting punishment. According to the BBC, The British government has sentenced a Latvian developer to a £50,000 fine for counterfeit apps posted on the Android Market in November of last year.

Android malware spreads through infected websites

By Michael Crider
on 4 May, 2012

It's interesting to watch the security landscape unfold on a new platform like Android, in a macabre sort of way. On the one hand we have newfangled attacks that use relatively modern ways of stealing money or information, like phony text message trojans. On the other we've got old-school malware that spreads through modified versions of popular software. Now there's a new trick up malicious programmers' sleeves, though it's only new to Android: spreading malware through infected websites.

ESET Mobile Security for Android leaves beta, available in Play Store

By Cory Gunther
on 2 May, 2012

The extremely popular security and anti-virus company ESET, widely known for their NOD32 PC security suite is finally available for Android. It has been around as a beta for well over a year, and today they've announced the complete official version is available in the Google Play Store. ESET is giving all users a free 30 day trial to start.

Concept app steals keyboard taps via phone sensors

By Michael Crider
on 23 Apr, 2012

Hey, security researchers. We appreciate what you do. But the world of malware is worrisome enough without yo giving the bad guys even more ideas. A graduate student at Pennsylvania State University has upped the creepy factor by creating a concept app that can steal keylogging information by surreptitiously reading information from a smartphone's various sensors, like the accelerometer. The app is called "Taplogger", and it's just a proof of concept. For the moment.

Fake Instagram sends texts to premium numbers and steals data

By Cory Gunther
on 23 Apr, 2012

Heads up, hipsters: if you got Instagram anywhere but the Google Play Store, you might want to get rid of it right now. Reports of a malicious copy are coming out of Russia, stating that once users download and install the malicious app it starts sending texts to premium SMS numbers making these little Trojan making hackers plenty of cash - you've been warned.

Spyware found in Japanese Google Play Store

By Michael Crider
on 13 Apr, 2012

Ho boy. It seems that at Android enthusiast can't get his head down before yet another malware story slides across his writing desk. This time it's from Japan, where a researcher employed by McCafee found naughty apps in the regional Google Play Store sending private information to a remote server. Carlos Castillo documented his work on McAfee's website. The apps in question are the usual low-quality, generally useless fare, promising video players, anime and sexual content, which they only deliver after stealing personal information. Good grief, they could at least have the decency to engage in some good-old-fashioned piracy while they're at it.

Fake Angry Birds Space app is a trojan in disguise

By Michael Crider
on 13 Apr, 2012

Angry Birds Space is a lot of fun. No, really, it justifies the hype - if you haven't tried it yet, download the free game in the Google Play Store. But for Pete's sake, make sure you're using the Google Play Store: a fake app is unsurprisingly masquerading as the ultra-popular mobile game to add Android phones and tablets to its network of infected devices, remotely downloading more malicious apps and displaying ads. Security researchers at Sophos spotted the fake app in third-party app stores, but says that the official Rovio files are not affected.