Mobile Solutions | Even Smartphones can be infected by Malware
Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Wed, Feb 01, 2012
So you thought that only computers could be infected by Malware? You thought wrong. According to the http://www.pcworld.com/article/248880/massive_android_malware_op_may_have_infected_5_million_users.html website, 13 apps that are available on the Android Market have been shown to be infected with Malware. The article indicates that as many as 5 million users have downloaded at least one of the apps that contain the software that attempts to retrieve user information. Symantec has titled the Malware “Android.Counterclank” and as of 3 PM ET Friday, January 27, many were still available.
Previously, those that tried to spread Malware on the Market would take a valid app, add in their own hidden code to gather information from the user, and the repost on the Market – referred to as “rebundled apps”. Symantec security experts indicate that the Malware apps available do not appear to be from real publishers, either. If you would like to see those infected apps on the Market, you can check out this website - http://www.symantec.com/connect/fr/blogs/androidcounterclank-found-official-android-market.
So how do you protect yourself? First off, it is best to wait until an app has been out for a while, as most apps that are infected or cause red flags to be raised happen soon after they are released. This doesn’t always mean that you will be safe, as the Malware reported in the above article have been on the Market for about a month and just recently were discovered as having the Malware. Another way you can stay protected is only download apps that you know are safe, such as those from reputable publishers.
Other users are also a good bet – read the reviews, as those with low reviews can sometimes indicate something that just isn’t right. You can also do some investigation before downloading an app and go with your gut instinct – if something doesn’t feel right about something you are downloading or going to install, it may be best to search for something else. There are plenty of apps out there that are similar to others, so you might be better off finding something that does what you want but doesn’t throw up those red flags.
Do you want to know more ways to protect yourself and your Smartphone? Contact us about our Philadelphia Area Mobility Solutions. You can also find out how to protect your computer network by having Trigon complete an IT Health Check to be sure your systems are clean and protected.
