Bad News for Android Users

from JoeUser Forums

 

Island Dog just alerted me about malware Android users are being potentially exposed to:

“Between 30,000 and 120,000 users of Android devices are believed to have been affected by new mobile malware which has its roots in the earlier scourge known as Droid Dream. Like its predecessor, this variant, called Droid Dream Light, appears to have been created by the same developers whose malware had infected over 50 applications back in March. According to Lookout Security, the new malware was found in over 25 mobile applications, all of which Google has since removed from the Android Market.” – Sarah Perez, ReadWriteWeb

This one is called Android Dreams “Light” … the prior one was Android Dreams.

The really  bad news? This one installs by itself. All that is needed is an incoming call from an infected phone, and *poof. You’ve got it. It will also install from various apps (list below). These apps have been cracked and their code altered by the criminals. This code will also enable other malware being installed.

It’s really bad also because for perfectly innocent app devs.

Advice? Get a mobile security app.

List of affected apps:

Magic Photo Studio

  • Sexy Girls: Hot Japanese
  • Sexy Legs
  • HOT Girls 4
  • Beauty Breasts
  • Sex Sound
  • Sex Sound: Japanese
  • HOT Girls 1
  • HOT Girls 3
  • HOT Girls 2

Mango Studio

  • Floating Image Free
  • System Monitor
  • Super StopWatch and Timer
  • System Info Manager

E.T. Tean

  • Call End Vibrate

BeeGoo

  • Quick Photo Grid
  • Delete Contacts
  • Quick Uninstaller
  • Contact Master
  • Brightness Settings
  • Volume Manager
  • Super Photo Enhance
  • Super Color Flashlight
  • Paint Master

Sources:

http://blog.mylookout.com/   You can get a security app there as well.

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/30000_to_120000_android_users_affected_by_new_variant_of_droid_dream_malware.php

 

23,800 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Uff, I thought the news will be like: "Android development ends, Windows Mobile 7 offered as replacement". Malware will always happen, as long as there are information to steal.

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Think they will have a fix for it in a month? 

What really bothers me is the zero vector of infection!  No OS should be that way.  I understand holes are found, but they should be patched ASAP.  I will have to book mark this one - may change my mind about the iPhone.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I must say, when I saw the title of this thread I was worried it was something much less avoidable. Thanks for the heads up on this!

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

All that is needed is an incoming call from an infected phone, and *poof. You’ve got it.
End of quote

Now that's just creepy.  Seems like a huge potential for all kinds of abuses there.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm sure glad I don't have one of those things.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Uvah, reply 5
I'm sure glad I don't have one of those things.
End of Uvah's quote

Just watch out for the "Purple People Eater", Uvah. ;)

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Him gots to watch out for me. Ha ha ha

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Dr, reply 2
may change my mind about the iPhone.
End of Dr's quote

I have the Samsung Galaxy S,,,, was touted at the time of purchase as having better features than the iPhone....  and I must say, quite a few  people with iPhones have looked at mine and regretted not getting one.... maybe worth considering before making up your mind, if you decide to go that way,,,,  many people seem disappointed with their iPhones...

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Uvah, reply 5
I'm sure glad I don't have one of those things.
End of Uvah's quote

Ditto.

My Mobile phone does what it's supposed to do..... make and receive phone calls.

Does it well, too.

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 9
My Mobile phone does what it's supposed to do..... make and receive phone calls.
End of Jafo's quote

That's all I need a phone for.

We are at risk now from the phone itself according to the World Health Organization. Uh uh.... Phone call coming in. Better put that cigarette out before I answer it!  8C

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Actually, I just got an android and just love it!  When traveling, I don't even need to take my laptop because the phone can do everything - email, internet, office programs, etc., etc.  Interesting how it needs anti-virus software just like our computers!

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 9
My Mobile phone does what it's supposed to do..... make and receive phone calls
End of Jafo's quote

 

so did mine.... the old red Nokia  3315..... a really good tough workhorse.....  but Nokia has the nasty habit of ceasing production of batteries.... forcing you to upgrade... or I'd still have been happy with that.... but I must say.... the vid/camera feature has come in very handy....

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Of course, Photoshop has an app (free) for the iPhone and iPad... de rigeur for me. hehehe.

Seriously though, many business people need a portable device capable of finding stuff in strange cities and in using networking and remote linking to their firms for data, etc.

Also, there are just too many possible medication, etc. interactions to remember so ePocrates is a must nowadays.

Just be secure... as for Jafo, they just don't dare to start up with him.   psst...there's a flight simulator....


Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top

Like your new avatar Doc. My favorite was the B&W reporter.

Awesome job as always at keeping us up to date.