Third-Party Chinese Android App Contains Trojan Malware - Technology
It was only a matter of time before malware hit the Smartphones. A new Android Trojan that displays some botnet characteristics has emerged from China, Lookout Mobile Security warns. This Trojan is called Geinimi, and can compromise a significant amount of data from a users Android Smartphone, sending it to remote servers. Once installed on the phone, it could allow the servers owner to control the mobile device, says Lookout.
Third-Party Chinese Android App Contains Trojan Malware
Geinimi is effectively being grafted onto repackaged versions of legitimate applications, primarily games, and distributed in third-party Chinese Android app markets. The affected applications request extensive permissions over and above the set that is requested by their legitimate original versions, Lookout says in its blog. Though the intent of this Trojan isnt entirely clear, the possibilities range from a malicious ad network to an attempt to create an Android botnet.
Consumers can protect themselves from Geinimi. Lookout has written an automated update to protect your Smartphone from this Trojan. You can protect yourself this Trojan, as well as what is sure to be a flood of new Trojans for Smartphones, by only downloading apps from trusted sources such as reputable developers, says Lookout. Another good step may be not making those deposits to your bank by Smartphone apps. Really anything that may be of a sensitive nature should be looked at. of course, Lookout recommends that all Smartphone users download a security app.
What are the symptoms of an infected phone? If your phone starts acting peculiarly, sending SMS without approval to unknown recipients, making unauthorized calls or downloading unknown apps, chances are you have the Trojan. Lookout Mobile Security unveiled its Lookout Premium for Android for enhanced Smartphone protection back in November. The cloud-based Lookout Premiums new Privacy Advisor feature lets users scan every app they download. It gives the user information on which apps can access their private data. The Smartphone security provider said it has gained more than three million users in less than a year.
Because Android is a widely used operating system, there is a potential for it to become a target for mobile malware, said Chris Hazelton, research director mobile and wireless, at the 451 Group. Additionally, since Android is an open platform and applications can run in the background, there is some opportunity for malware to get in. There isnt a gatekeeper as much as there is with Apple, which scrutinizes every app that comes in. Android is more self-monitored so if youre concerned about the amount of personal information on your device, the Smartphone is just as important to secure as the PC.
More security apps are in the works. According to an article by Esther Shein , InformationWeek, Lookouts competitors in the mobile security market include Juniper, which acquired Smobile, and is coming out with Junos Pulse Mobile Security Suite, which is targeted to carriers; McAfee, which acquired TenCube; as well as several device and mobile OS vendors with mobile backup products, including Research in Motion, Apple, and Microsoft.
What do you do if you have the Trojan? Lookout Premium will be available for Android devices on Nov. 16 for $2.99 a month or $29.99 per year. Lookout can be downloaded from the Android Market. Makes sense to me. Ill be looking into this app as soon as I finish blogging. What about you? Think your Droid has a bug? Check it out with the 30-day free trial and see.
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