malware - Android Community

Tagged: malware

Google Nabs more Exploits from the MarketPlace

By James DeRuvo
on 7 Mar, 2011

The latest battle in the war against malicious apps is joined as Google has reported via it's mobile blog that a number of new Android Apps repackaged with malware have been removed. In addition to wiping the apps from the Marketplace, Google is in the process of removing the malicious applications via remote from affected handsets. They've also banned the suspect publishers and are calling in the long arm of the law. According to Google, the malicious applications are taking advantage of a known vulnerability in Android versions 2.1 and below, so users with handsets running Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above aren't affected.

Android Malware Apps get official attention …

By James DeRuvo
on 4 Mar, 2011

Recently there's been some concern about malware in the Android Marketplace. Hackers have been repackaging legitimate Android applications with spyware embedded and resubmitting them, causing mobile devices to be infected with malware after download. Here's some official words from Linda Liu, Global Marketing Director of the mobile security firm NetQin, on the steps Google is taking to combat the trend:

Recently, a new spyware named "DroidDream" causing privacy leakage was found on Google's Android Market. The spyware was embedded in repackaged legitimate applications and uploaded to the Android Market by the developers "Myournet", "Kingmall2010" and "we20090202". Mobile devices will be infected after download. Google has removed more than 50 infected applications from Android Market and remote deleted the infected apps downloaded to the users' devices to prevent further spreading of the malware. Even though Google has taken a series of control measures in the wake of the event, there seems to be a need for more to be done.

Soundminer Trojan steals data by listening

By Shane McGlaun
on 21 Jan, 2011

Researchers have apparently developed a new low-profile Trojan that runs on the Android OS that can steal data in a very sneaky way that will not trip antivirus software or alert the user to its presence. The malware is known as Soundminer.

Android exploit turns smartphone into USB security hole

By Chris Davies
on 20 Jan, 2011

A new exploit potentially turning Android phones into USB hacking tools has been revealed, which might make users more wary of plugging smartphones into their computers to sync or recharge. The exploit, developed by Angelos Stavrou and Zhaohui Wang, infects an Android device so that it mounts as a regular HID (human interface device) keyboard and mouse on a PC, Mac or Linux machine. With that access, the malware author could then retrieve files, download other malware or even take control of the system altogether, depending on the nature of the exploit code. Versions of the exploit have been written for computers and for the Android kernel; an iOS version would also be possible, the researchers claim.

"Say your computer at home is compromised and you compromise your Android phone by connecting them. Then, whenever you connect the smartphone to another laptop or computing device I can take over that computer also, and then compromise other computers off that Android. It's a viral type of compromise using the USB cable" Angelos Stavrou

Sophos says Android will be targeted by Facebook-based attacks

By Shane McGlaun
on 12 Jan, 2011

Sophos has announced that it thinks Android will be a big target this year for Facebook-based malware attacks. Sophos' senior technology consultant Graham Cluley said, "The iPhone operates in a more controlled environment and the BlackBerry security model is fairly strong. Because Android operates in a more open environment, it's more open to infections."

Android Malware Infection has the Highest Growth, Overall Infection Lower than Other Platforms

By Dylan Bailey
on 17 Dec, 2010

AdaptiveMobile, a mobile security vendor, has stated that it has seen the highest number of mobile malware infections this year. In fact, the number of reports has grown a significant 33-percent over 2009 figures. Google's Android platform has seen the greatest rise in infection with a four-fold increase in the number of exploits in 2010.

Norton Security app arrives for Android

By David Junior
on 9 Jun, 2010

Norton has just released an security app for Android. I know what you think, what’s the point? This app is surely not needed but it will definitely make a few people feel more secure when browsing the web on their Android device. It does have a few good features that most of us might find useful.

McAfee Offers Free Virus Scan

By David Junior
on 29 Apr, 2010

If you have a PC or work around them, you should be familiar with McAfee. They are one of the top computer security companies in the world. If you have an Android device on SK Telecom in Korea you will soon be able to download this free Anti-Malware software to your handset.

Android Market App Destroying Phone Data

By Brady Landgren
on 25 Jan, 2009

According to the application reviews from the Android Market, the app "MemoryUp Personal" is destroying personal data when installed onto an Android handset. There are reports of e-mail accounts being spammed, adware installed, and SD cards being erased - all linked to the installation of this app. This has sparked several discussions about the appeal of the open source community when personal data is at stake. Traditionally a friendly, help-one-help-all environment, the open source community is under attack by many who have had their phone book, calendar, and SD cards erased by this rogue application. Another issue raised is the Android Market app approval process, of which we're not really sure there is one. Several commenters have expressed interest in Google taking more of an Apple AppStore approach, with stricter app requirements before allowing downloads by the masses. A link to the application was not provided for obvious reasons.