New Virus Can Infect Android Cell Phones

Elizabeth Supica, VP

After many years of our desktop PCs being threatened by rogue viruses and malware, it looks like we now have another device to worry about – our Android smartphones.  I just purchased the Android Global (which I love), so this news was rather timely to say the least.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before hackers moved into attempting to screw up our cell phones.  This latest news comes from the security engineers at Symantec.

Apparently Chinese hackers have “modified” a free Android app called Steamy Windows by adding a Trojan horse to the app’s code.  The hackers then re-released the app back out to the unsuspecting public to download, mostly from unsanctioned, third-party “app stores”.

Once inside an Android cell phone via the hacked Steamy Windows app, this virus can install other applications, wreak havoc with your phone’s browser bookmarks, silently navigate to Web sites – even send hundreds of text messages without the users knowledge.

The rampant texting is the one to really worry about.  Hackers send text messages to premium rate numbers, then collect commissions for those messages.  This virus has a built-in filter that blocks any incoming text messages from the cell phone carrier.  That is how it can function without the victim even knowing it is working.

Tips for Keeping Your Android Safe

According to Vikram Thakur, security response manager at Symantec, there are a few things you can do to keep you Android from falling victim to viruses or malware.

1) Be wary of unauthorized app stores

Downloading apps from 3rd party, unsanctioned sites is asking for trouble.  Many of these sites offer content that has been illegally obtained.  “Downloading an app from one of these [third-party] sites is like downloading a Windows app from a ‘warez’ site,” says Thakur.   Always know the “neighborhood” when downloading anything to your cell phone.

2) Be aware of permissions when downloading

When downloading an app, be aware and look at the “permissions” the app requests when it installs. A rogue app will request more permissions than the legitimate version.

3) Download Android anti-virus software

Symantec published an analysis of Android.Pjapps on its Web site Monday.

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