Think malware is only something you come across on Windows or Mac systems? Think again! The bad guys have their eyes on your smartphone.
Malware writers take advantage of what’s new and exciting. Capitalizing on the recent release of an Instagram app for the Android platform, there’s now a fake version loaded with malware being pushed by the bad guys.
The fake Instagram app was discovered by security firm Sophos. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, offered this analysis of the app:
In our tests, the app didn’t do a very good job of emulating the genuine Instagram app, but that may be because it failed to find the correct network operator. Because this is a malicious app that seems to be relying in the sending of background SMS messages to earn its creators revenue.
The fake app, once installed on your Android handset, tries to send premium-rate SMS messages behind your back.
The app is currently offered for download on websites, but it’s not made its way into any official marketplaces. This means that you’re safe if you only download apps for your Android smartphone from an official marketplace like Google Play.
Last week, a malware-loaded version of Angry Birds Space for Android made an appearance. This fake app installed malware onto Android handsets which made it part of a botnet. Once part of the botnet, the handset essentially belongs to the bad guys.
The best way to protect yourself from Android malware is to only download apps from official marketplaces such as Google Play.
Article source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/adriankingsleyhughes/2012/04/19/android-malware-masquerading-as-instagram-app/
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