Google pulls 21 Apps in malware scare

[VW Maverick]

Copy and paste from CNN.com article:

"Google has just pulled 21 popular free apps from the Android Market. According to the company, the apps are malware aimed at getting root access to the user's device, gathering a wide range of available data, and downloading more code to it without the user's knowledge.

Although Google has swiftly removed the apps after being notified (by the ever-vigilant "Android Police" bloggers), the apps in question have already been downloaded by at least 50,000 Android users.

The apps are particularly insidious because they look just like knockoff versions of already popular apps. For example, there's an app called simply "Chess." The user would download what he'd assume to be a chess game, only to be presented with a very different sort of app.

These apps are all pirated versions of popular games and utilities -- an expeditious solution for busy hackers.

Once downloaded, the apps root the user's device using a method like rageagainstthecage, then use an Android executable file (APK) to nab user and device data, such as your mobile provider and user ID. Finally, the app acts as a wide-open backdoor for your device to quietly download more malicious code.

Below is a partial list of the bad apps, all of which were made by an entity called Myournet.

If you've downloaded one of these apps, it might be best to take your device to your carrier and exchange it for a new one, since you can't be sure that your device and user information is truly secure.

Considering how much we do on our phones -- shopping and mobile banking included -- it's better to take precautions.

Falling Down

Super Guitar Solo

Super History Eraser

Photo Editor

Super Ringtone Maker

Super Sex Positions

Hot Sexy Videos

Chess

Hilton Sex Sound

Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls

Falling Ball Dodge

Scientific Calculator

Dice Roller

Advanced Currency Converter

APP Uninstaller

Funny Paint

Spider Man

Remember, the Android Market is open, which can be great and unfortunate in different circumstances. Always read user reviews before you download; and if you have any doubts, play it safe."

Google pulls 21 apps in Android malware scare - CNN.com

 

[dbeckwit]

Thanks for the heads-up!

 

[debh945]

Oh noes! Not Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls!

Just kidding, I didn't have any of these but thanks for the info! Wondering if an anti virus app like Lookout would have caught these.

Sent from my Veganized Gtab using Tapatalk

 

[KSmithInNY]

A couple of things to note, both from the forum guidelines (rules) which you can find a link in my signature:

Story Linking - Please link all Android related stories to the AC blog. Chances are we wrote it first and better and deserve a little love. If you're too lazy to do that, well, we have ways of making you read. In addition, do not copy and paste stories in their entirety. Writers (from all sites) work hard, and deserve proper credit.

Post In The Right Forum - The forum index is broken down by categories. There are specific forums for applications, devices, device hacks, accessories, carriers, general chat, etc. Unique forums exist for a reason. Before you create a new thread, please ensure it is being posted in the most applicable forum. For example, threads discussing an Android application are generally not device specific, and should be posted in the Apps forum.