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Android phones hit by first ever Trojan

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 10 Aug 2010 10:09 User comments (6)

Android phones hit by first ever Trojan Google's Android mobile OS has finally hit the big time; security firm Kaspersky is reporting that users are being hit with the first trojan for the OS.
Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a is being sent around as an SMS, infecting devices while pretending to be a media player application. Infected users will send out SMS texts without consent.

Android owners who receive the text are prompted to install a small 13kb .APK which then infects the device. The trojan will then begin texting out "premium rate phone numbers," to other users.

Kapersky is quick to note that so far the Android users in most immediate danger are in Russia, where the criminals behind the trojan can actually start charging money to user's accounts. However, anyone with a device can get infected.

While FakePlayer is the first Trojan for Android, there have been scattered spywares created for the OS.

Adds Kapersky: "The IT market research and analysis organization IDC has noted that those selling devices running Android are experiencing the highest growth in sales among smartphone manufacturers. As a result, we can expect to see a corresponding rise in the amount of malware targeting that platform."

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6 user comments

111.8.2010 04:54

That is google for you...spending billions turning Linux into a DRM-laden virus-prone phone OS. I can't email myself an APK, but for some reason, other people can send me an APK through a text message? What a load of crap. I sure am glad that I have root; I used it to delete Mms.apk long ago...no more annoying text messages.

211.8.2010 13:39

Originally posted by KillerBug:
That is google for you...spending billions turning Linux into a DRM-laden virus-prone phone OS. I can't email myself an APK, but for some reason, other people can send me an APK through a text message? What a load of crap. I sure am glad that I have root; I used it to delete Mms.apk long ago...no more annoying text messages.
As far as I know you can't send APKs through SMS root or no root...
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 11 Aug 2010 @ 1:45

311.8.2010 21:42

what idiot installs apks that they get in a random sms anyway?

413.8.2010 04:33

Originally posted by shaffaaf:
what idiot installs apks that they get in a random sms anyway?
There are a lot of idiots out there...just look at the iPad sales numbers.

513.8.2010 12:31

There are going to be alot of smug iphone fanboys when they hear this. Kinda reminds me of this ad a little bit... lol

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 13 Aug 2010 @ 12:32

613.8.2010 23:40

LOL...I doubt it. Those apple fanboys can't even use the built-in browser without rooting, that is how insecure iOS4 is.

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