A few days ago came the news of a new vulnerability in Android - the Master Key - one of the greatest threats so far, affecting 99% of devices. The information came through a laboratory study by Bluebox Security, who also has an application that tells you whether your smartphone is affected. In light of this study's findings, we have compiled this Android for Beginners to help you prevent possible infection of trojans and malware infections.
Protect your device from viruses, trojans and malware. / ? Gerd Altman/pixelio.de, nh/AndroidPIT
Bluebox Security Scanner
With this free application you can discover whether your Android device is infected with the problematic cryptographic signature. This essentially means that malicious app developers could modify the code of legitimate apps on your device and have them do nasty things to your phone. This would happen without you knowing because the malicious intent would be cloaked in a ''trusted app.''
The Bluebox scanner is quite simple and is based on three aspects: the security patch, unknown sources (non-Google Play Store installs) and a malicious app analysis. You can download the free app from the AndroidPIT App Center or the Google Play Store.
Google was quick to address the Master Key problem, and with the latest updates for HTC One, Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S4, the exploit problem has been solved. For the rest, we will have to wait a little longer.
Bluebox Security Scanner is a simple way to see if you're at risk. / ? AndroidPIT
Avoiding a Virus or Trojan
Prevention is better than curing the problem once it's caused serious damage, so we thought it advisable to share a few simple tips to protect your Android device from viruses, trojans and other malware. Smartphones can store a lot of data and valuable information, which, if it fell into the wrong hands, could hurt owners a lot.
Origin of Applications
Be very cautious with applications or APKs that aren't from Google Play. If the application does not come from the official Android market, you will have to enable the option "Allow unknown sources" in your device's security settings, which can sometimes be a problem.
Always try to know the origin of the application that you want to download and whether it is trusted or not. For example, at AndroidPIT, all APKs (Android Application Package Files) have been reviewed to ensure they are virus-free, like with the Google Maps update yesterday.
Read Permissions
A lot of you may think this is unnecessary, or just never bother with it, but it's more important than you think. Every time you click a link to install an application, carefully read all of its permissions, even if you are doing so from the Google Play Store.
The Google Play Store unfortunately also hosts malware. Normally when such failures are discovered, Google removes the application immediately, but there is always a period of time before they are discovered during which damage can be done.
If any of the permissions seem suspicious, it's better to not install the application. While some permissions seem harmless enough, there is no reason to give most apps access to data like our emails or contact list. Caution is advised, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
It's easier than you think to keep the bad guys out of your phone. / ? Robbert van der Steeg @Flickr
Install an Antivirus Application
It goes without saying that, just like on our PCs, we also need an antivirus app on our Android to locate and remove viruses. Many of them can also prevent infection and remove trojans or malware if we already have some incubating in our system.
There is also a slightly more 'direct' way to remove viruses already on your smartphone. You just have to connect your device to your computer and analyze it with the best antivirus you have installed on your computer.
It is also advisable to protect your smartphone with some kind of pattern or PIN lock. You never know who might make off with your smartphone in a moment of carelessness. Keep your Bluetooth off unless you are using it. Finally, it is also highly recommended to have all programs and the system updated at all times.
Has this been helpful? Did you know these steps to protect your Android device? Do you have any other suggestions?
http://www.androidpit.com/how-to-avoid-trojans
Protect your device from viruses, trojans and malware. / ? Gerd Altman/pixelio.de, nh/AndroidPIT
Bluebox Security Scanner
With this free application you can discover whether your Android device is infected with the problematic cryptographic signature. This essentially means that malicious app developers could modify the code of legitimate apps on your device and have them do nasty things to your phone. This would happen without you knowing because the malicious intent would be cloaked in a ''trusted app.''
The Bluebox scanner is quite simple and is based on three aspects: the security patch, unknown sources (non-Google Play Store installs) and a malicious app analysis. You can download the free app from the AndroidPIT App Center or the Google Play Store.
Google was quick to address the Master Key problem, and with the latest updates for HTC One, Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S4, the exploit problem has been solved. For the rest, we will have to wait a little longer.
Bluebox Security Scanner is a simple way to see if you're at risk. / ? AndroidPIT
Avoiding a Virus or Trojan
Prevention is better than curing the problem once it's caused serious damage, so we thought it advisable to share a few simple tips to protect your Android device from viruses, trojans and other malware. Smartphones can store a lot of data and valuable information, which, if it fell into the wrong hands, could hurt owners a lot.
Origin of Applications
Be very cautious with applications or APKs that aren't from Google Play. If the application does not come from the official Android market, you will have to enable the option "Allow unknown sources" in your device's security settings, which can sometimes be a problem.
Always try to know the origin of the application that you want to download and whether it is trusted or not. For example, at AndroidPIT, all APKs (Android Application Package Files) have been reviewed to ensure they are virus-free, like with the Google Maps update yesterday.
Read Permissions
A lot of you may think this is unnecessary, or just never bother with it, but it's more important than you think. Every time you click a link to install an application, carefully read all of its permissions, even if you are doing so from the Google Play Store.
The Google Play Store unfortunately also hosts malware. Normally when such failures are discovered, Google removes the application immediately, but there is always a period of time before they are discovered during which damage can be done.
If any of the permissions seem suspicious, it's better to not install the application. While some permissions seem harmless enough, there is no reason to give most apps access to data like our emails or contact list. Caution is advised, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
It's easier than you think to keep the bad guys out of your phone. / ? Robbert van der Steeg @Flickr
Install an Antivirus Application
It goes without saying that, just like on our PCs, we also need an antivirus app on our Android to locate and remove viruses. Many of them can also prevent infection and remove trojans or malware if we already have some incubating in our system.
There is also a slightly more 'direct' way to remove viruses already on your smartphone. You just have to connect your device to your computer and analyze it with the best antivirus you have installed on your computer.
It is also advisable to protect your smartphone with some kind of pattern or PIN lock. You never know who might make off with your smartphone in a moment of carelessness. Keep your Bluetooth off unless you are using it. Finally, it is also highly recommended to have all programs and the system updated at all times.
Has this been helpful? Did you know these steps to protect your Android device? Do you have any other suggestions?
http://www.androidpit.com/how-to-avoid-trojans
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