Tag: Malware

Malware Grew by 22 Times in Android Market

The fact new malware is found in Android Market is becoming a common thing. The reason lies in the platform’s popularity but talking honestly, it’s Google’s fault, which doesn’t want to take the wheel in its hands. Such attitude affected malware’s growth, for example, if in June there were 112 modifications of Android malware, in July – 212; in August – 161; in September 559; in October 808, now this number has reached 3063 (Q1, 2012). The data comes from F-Secure, which points out there was only 139 malware found in Android Market in Q1, 2011.

Antivirus developing companies have been indicating about this from immemorial times, but as Google thinks there is no need of using a preventing policy, geeks have thought of their own methods to fight against malware. As a respond, Google decided to establish some control over “bad apps” available in Android Market but dodgy evil-doers found a solution to this case as well.

In short, malware was, is and will be, and no one can say where and when it will end. One thing I recommend is learn where from you download apps because there is much malware spreading via Angry Birds or text messages, which can record your conversations or ramp up your phone bill. I remember there was a malware that infected almost 5 million devices within a short time period. So be careful, until Google comes to senses.

May 17, 2012 | 0 Comments More

Android Malware Spreads via Text Messages

Every day we learn about a new malware on Android market. This time we are dealing with a new malware called UpdtBot. This virus disguises itself as a system update and spreads via text messages containing a link to the malicious application file.

The UpdtBot was discovered by NQ Mobile Security Research Center, in collaboration with the leading cyber security expert Dr. Xuxian Jiang at North Carolina State University. They have alerted Android users to be careful when downloading and installing apps and have recommended them to do it from trusted sources like Google Play, Amazon AppStore or GetJar.

This malware can really be dangerous as the installed UpdtBot registers a remote Command and Control (C&C) server, which makes the infected device send text messages, make calls and download and even install apps.

At the moment there are almost 160.000 Android devices infected by this malware, so download some anti-malware apps and check whether you are a “member of the club” or not. Afterwards, we’d highly appreciate your feedback in this regard.

April 17, 2012 | 0 Comments More

Infected Angry Birds Space Available in Google Play. Be Careful!

The Angry Birds Space is the most popular game nowadays. But installing it on an Android device is not that secure. The original version of the game coming from Rovio is what you need but do you always check the developer when downloading an app or a game from Google Play? I doubt that because the charm of getting this game as soon as possible blinds. As a result, when you mash the download button, you can download not only the game but also a couple of JPEG files associated with the game hiding malware inside.

The most recent hacker op forces the infected phone to make calls to premium numbers owned by the hackers. But they can send out malware via your SMS messages. Thus all your personal data, calls and texts are under in danger caused by your impatience to download the latest version of Angry Birds.

So the only thing to avoid malware is to check the developer. If you are not that familiar with Android or smartphones at all, you can ask whether there is any method to check the apps and games itself. Of course, Google has announced something like that dubbed as Bouncer, which is intended to analyze new apps to keep out malware, spyware and trojan horses. But it turns out Bouncer like everything else in this world can fail to see the malware and allow it to enter your phone. So do everything yourself.

Source

April 15, 2012 | 0 Comments More

Rootsmart Can Get to Windward of Bouncer

Google has been always thinking there is no need for an antivirus app for Android handsets. However, the latest reports made the tech giant seriously think about the security of its devices and the launched “Bouncer” antivirus acts like gates not allowing any kind of malware to pass through. But I have to disappoint you, as turns out the app doesn’t work so effectively as it seems.

Forbes says a North Carolina State University professor wrote in his blog that his friends and he had found a new malware called “Rootsmart,” which can pass through without being caught. It can be done due to a process called “privilege escalation” allowing apps to download a new code from a remote server and hide the data transfer in the phone’s normal communications.

You got it right — the downloaded code is the famous “Gingerbreak” known for its access to users’ SMS, phone calls and data. It’s also known as recording sensitive phone conversations.

Consequently, even the “Bouncer” can’t help you fight against malware, and the best solution remains your caution, thus do not download and install apps from unknown or unreliable sources.

February 8, 2012 | 0 Comments More

Almost 5 Million Android Devices Suffering of a New Trojan Horse

A couple of days ago Symantec made a shocking statement saying there are 1-5 million Android devices infected with a virus called “Android.Counterclank,” which is another variant of earlier discovered Trojan horse called “Android.Tonclank.”

As the malware is embedded in different apps, once you download and install one of them, you may be sure your handset is infected. That may be dangerous, because the malware send information from the device, such as MAC Address, SIM Serial, IMEI, and IMSI, back to the malicious host. So if you care of your personal information, you must be more careful.

To find out whether you are infected or not there are many ways, but the simplest one is to look at your home screen, and if there is the presence of a “search” icon on the home screen, which is depicted in the graphic below, then it means “you are infected, guy.”

Moreover, Symantec has publish a list, where are mentioned some of the apps that “offer” you this new Trojan horse. They are:

iApps7 Inc

  • Counter Elite Force
  • Counter Strike Ground Force
  • CounterStrike Hit Enemy
  • Heart Live Wallpaper
  • Hit Counter Terrorist
  • Stripper Touch girl

Ogre Games

  • Balloon Game
  • Deal & Be Millionaire
  • Wild Man

redmicapps

  • Pretty women lingerie puzzle
  • Sexy Girls Photo Game
  • Sexy Girls Puzzle
  • Sexy Women Puzzle

I recommend uninstall these apps from your Android device, and wait till the same antivirus company or someone else will enlarge the list. Anyway, that’s not hard to believe there are Android viruses, but Google continues claiming its native OS doesn’t need an antivirus program.

February 1, 2012 | 0 Comments More
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