Android-running smartphones are the fast-growing segment of the mobile market at the moment, but with this growth comes an increase in attention from hackers. With reports of the first significant Android malware eruption in Russia, users should carefully check applications – and the services they request – before installing on their device. Google advises
When installing an application, users see a screen that explains clearly what information and system resources the application has permission to access, such as a user’s phone number or sending an SMS. Users must explicitly approve this access in order to continue with the installation, and they may uninstall applications at any time. We consistently advise users to only install apps they trust. In particular, users should exercise caution when installing applications outside of Android Market.
The Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a appears to be a legitimate media player but in fact hijacks your smartphone and sends expensive SMS to premium numbers. Virus experts Kapersky Labs says that Trojans are the most widespread class of malware across mobile phones. Security work is underway to fix the problem, but isn’t expected to be completed until early next year. Until then, please practice safe smarttelephony.
