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FBI Issues Android Virus Warning

Dupple writes "The IC3 has been made aware of various malware attacking Android operating systems for mobile devices. Some of the latest known versions of this type of malware are Loozfon and FinFisher. Loozfon is an information-stealing piece of malware. Criminals use different variants to lure the victims. One version is a work-at-home opportunity that promises a profitable payday just for sending out email. A link within these advertisements leads to a website that is designed to push Loozfon on the user's device. The malicious application steals contact details from the user's address book and the infected device's phone number."

80 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Fragmentation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Clearly, Android isn't fragmented enough yet. The industry needs to work to further fragment the platform until this type of attack isn't viable.

    1. Re:Fragmentation by DJRumpy · · Score: 2

      I was just surprised to read that Android was a Virus...

  2. Should rename these Darwin Viruses by krelvin · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Places and things people should not be clicking on in the first place.

    1. Re:Should rename these Darwin Viruses by yog · · Score: 4, Insightful

      You still have to deal with typo squatters. If you type goole.com instead of google.com or some such you may end up at a phony website designed to phish you.

      Fortunately, it seems that the big players have grabbed most of the common typos like gogle.com, bankoamerica.com and so forth. But out of millions of sites, there's bound to be plenty of opportunities for a determined script kiddie.

      --
      it's = "it is"; its = possessive. E.g., it's flapping its wings.
    2. Re:Should rename these Darwin Viruses by Tastecicles · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's worse than that; the civic leaders of a market town in South Yorkshire have squatted goole.com.

      Oh, yeah, and they can't spell for shit.

      --
      Operation Guillotine is in effect.
    3. Re:Should rename these Darwin Viruses by tsa · · Score: 2

      LOL, they have a search field on their site which uses Ask.com :).

      --

      -- Cheers!

    4. Re:Should rename these Darwin Viruses by helix2301 · · Score: 1

      A just-released Google Play store app update, as well as the company's recent acquisition of VirusTotal seem to hint that yes, Google is looking into it. Google yesterday started rolling out an update to its Google Play Store app version 3.8.17 from August was bumped to version 3.9.16 in October. The update to the phone has two parts. The first thing called App Check would apparently allow Google to inspect apps you’ve already downloaded and a second feature would warn you if an app you’re trying to install is suspicious. With the recent FBI warning to consumers about mobile malware Google is adding better security features and possibly a built in AV on its latest Android mobile OS Jelly Bean 4.1 to avoid future security issues. With Jelly Bean's design, Google hopes to defend against hacks that install viruses, along with other malware.

  3. *sigh* Another worthless virus alert by Scutter · · Score: 5, Interesting

    No information about attack vectors (such as compromised apps), how to tell if you're infected, what to do if you think you're infected, etc. Par for the course.

    --

    "Tell me doctor, with all of your defenses, are there any provisions for an attack by killer bees?"
    1. Re:*sigh* Another worthless virus alert by Scutter · · Score: 4, Informative

      Did you even read the article? They talked a lot about attack vectors... They also went on to tell people how they can protect themselves.

      I'd assume downloading an antivirus for your phone or reformatting it would be the best option.

      They didn't talk about attack vectors AT ALL, except in the vaguest of terms. They talked about generalities that apply to any platform, not to this specific virus. It's the equivalent of saying "don't set your drink down in a crowded bar." Yes, it's good advice, but at the same time almost completely worthless to put into a press release.

      --

      "Tell me doctor, with all of your defenses, are there any provisions for an attack by killer bees?"
    2. Re:*sigh* Another worthless virus alert by euxneks · · Score: 4, Informative

      Essentially, it's FUD.

      --
      in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
    3. Re:*sigh* Another worthless virus alert by tsa · · Score: 1

      How many virii are there for the iPhone?

      --

      -- Cheers!

    4. Re:*sigh* Another worthless virus alert by SilentMobius · · Score: 4, Informative

      None, same way there are none for Android. including the malware included in the OP. If it doesn't propagate of it's own accord then it isn't a virus it's just a malicious app AKA malware.

      The OP mentions that "website that is designed to push Loozfon on the user's device" this is currently impossible unless there is an explain that is currently un-discussed and if there was such a thing it would be _very_ important, if (as I suspect) this is just another download-this/manually-install-the-app/accept-all-the-permissions/become-screwed idiot-trap then it is hardly news. And BTW there are plenty of these types of app for a jailbroken iPhone

      --
      Loop, twist and loop again.
    5. Re:*sigh* Another worthless virus alert by tsa · · Score: 1

      That's called a Trojan Horse isn't it?

      --

      -- Cheers!

  4. Only took... by Synerg1y · · Score: 4, Interesting

    10 years of smartphone generations for the government to realize there's the potential for viruses, spyware, and malware on these things as they are in all sense of the word a computer. I'm willing to bet google is now going to regulate the android market a little better, it still depends heavily on the user as to the risk posed to the device, just like with PCs.

    I've also got to respectfully disagree with the article on rooting your device, it opens up the potential to load some pretty nifty security tools that help keep you safe in the first place.

    1. Re:Only took... by jeffmeden · · Score: 1

      10 years of smartphone generations for the government to realize there's the potential for viruses, spyware, and malware on these things as they are in all sense of the word a computer. I'm willing to bet google is now going to regulate the android market a little better, it still depends heavily on the user as to the risk posed to the device, just like with PCs.

      I've also got to respectfully disagree with the article on rooting your device, it opens up the potential to load some pretty nifty security tools that help keep you safe in the first place.

      It has nothing to do with the Android Market (that's not where these apps are hosted) it has to do with the fact that on Android phones, you only have to navigate down a few screens to find the check-box that turns off enforcement of market-only content. For users that decide to do that, all bets are off on security as they can say OK to sharing just about any information or permission (except that which wants to alter system level apps). What Google apparently needs to do is add a few more "Are you sure?" "Are you sure-sure?" "Are you so fucking sure that you would call your wife and explain to her what you are about to do?" dialogs, like Microsoft did with privilege escalation in Windows. Seems to have worked out fairly well for them.

  5. Education by tepples · · Score: 1

    In a closed environment, how are students supposed to learn to program?

    1. Re:Education by KrazyDave · · Score: 1

      The primary job of an OS is to train future programmers? Gee, and here I was thinking it was to facilitate the function of the device for the consumer.

      --
      www.chihuahuarescue.com- Help to end dog abuse, abandonment and cruelty
    2. Re:Education by bobbied · · Score: 1

      Smart platform vendors donate development platforms to colleges and universities around the world so that students have a chance to learn. I don't know if Apple does this nor not, but I saw a LOT of apple products in the computer labs when I went to school (20 or so years ago...)

      --
      "File to fit, pound to insert, paint to match" - Aircraft Maintenance 101
    3. Re:Education by tepples · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Smart platform vendors donate development platforms to colleges and universities around the world

      But not to high schools. Or is there a good reason that kids shouldn't be programming before college? Or between graduating from college and getting a job in the field?

    4. Re:Education by jeffmeden · · Score: 1

      Smart platform vendors donate development platforms to colleges and universities around the world so that students have a chance to learn. I don't know if Apple does this nor not, but I saw a LOT of apple products in the computer labs when I went to school (20 or so years ago...)

      If Apple gave away "development" machines to every learning institution, they would kiss about 75% of their desktop sales goodbye...

    5. Re:Education by bobbied · · Score: 1

      If Apple gave away "development" machines to every learning institution, they would kiss about 75% of their desktop sales goodbye...

      What I'm saying is that "smart" vendors do this kind of thing. Obviously you don't give away enough to kill the bottom line, just enough to prime the pump...

      --
      "File to fit, pound to insert, paint to match" - Aircraft Maintenance 101
    6. Re:Education by jeffmeden · · Score: 1

      If Apple gave away "development" machines to every learning institution, they would kiss about 75% of their desktop sales goodbye...

      What I'm saying is that "smart" vendors do this kind of thing. Obviously you don't give away enough to kill the bottom line, just enough to prime the pump...

      Apple's version of that is giving a $100 discount on a $1500 desktop/laptop computer...

  6. Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 2

    Which version(s) of Android are vulnerable and which browsers? How does the attack work? Do I need to download and run a file? Just click on the file? Just visit the web page?

    Is this even a real threat? It sounds like a vague alert that anti-virus companies send out to get you to buy their product.

    1. Re:Which Android? by Vylen · · Score: 2

      A link within these advertisements leads to a website that is designed to push Loozfon on the user's device.

      FinFisher can be easily transmitted to a Smartphone when the user visits a specific web link or opens a text message masquerading as a system update.

      Based on that, it'd be simple websites telling people to download some installer/apk.

    2. Re:Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 1

      A link within these advertisements leads to a website that is designed to push Loozfon on the user's device.

      FinFisher can be easily transmitted to a Smartphone when the user visits a specific web link or opens a text message masquerading as a system update.

      Based on that, it'd be simple websites telling people to download some installer/apk.

      I don't think they gave enough details to know for sure that is what's going on - most users won't have configured their phone to install apk's that didn't come from the Android phone, does this attack work against them?

      If they are going to go through the trouble to issue an advisory, they should explain how the attack works so we can educate our users.

    3. Re:Which Android? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Android Defence Force to the rescue. Form of Obfuscation and FUD!

    4. Re:Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 1

      most users won't have configured their phone to install apk's that didn't come from the Android phone

      a) What?
      b) B..b..but what about their Freedoms?

      Few people I know with an Android phone care about the freedom of their phone - they liked the features, formfactor, and price point of the phone.

      Few users outside of Slashdot's target audience even know that sideloading is an option - they are happy to stick with the Android store.

    5. Re:Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 1

      they are happy to stick with the Android store

      Well, if they're happy with second-best, probably third-best before too long with the money Microsoft will throw at developers (developers, developers) then, well, good luck with that.

      Yes, I know, Microsoft's dominance is right around the corner, just as soon as they get serious about it. Like how they killed the iPod with Zune.

    6. Re:Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 4, Informative

      Even if they don't, let's be honest, the people spending money on Android "superphones" are exactly the people who're rooting, installing ROMS and sideloading. The rest, the much vaunted millions activations per are the people having slow Gingerbread shitboxes rammed down their neck by the retailers and networks that might have a passing interest in something that's "just like an iPhone" but that interest dies as soon as they try to use it and it's slow, jerky and has shit battery life. This is precisely why the web impression figures are so dramatically different between iOS and Android.

      The Galaxy S III sold around 20 million units worldwide, I'm having a hard time believing that all of those users are rooting their devices. I have a Galaxy Nexus that isn't rooted (nor have I sideloaded any apps).

      Android phones are definitely good for someone that wants to tinker and root and sideload, but they are also solid smartphones out of the box.

      I support around 250 devices - split relatively evenly between Blackberry, Android and iPhone. These users are mostly non-technical, and all seem fairly satisfied with their phones, including the Blackberry users (battery life and tight Exchange Integration are the big reasons the BB users are happy with their phones).

      Starting with Gingerbread the Android platform stopped causing support headaches (mostly in Exchange syncing), ICS and Jellybean seem to put Android on par with IOS for the most part.

    7. Re:Which Android? by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      I thought Amazon app store was popular. That must be side-loaded. Installing Amazon app store compromises your security!

    8. Re:Which Android? by hawguy · · Score: 1

      I love how your posts are pretty much instantly modded to 2. Every one of them. I mean, you might try making it less obvious.

      Do you look for conspiracies everywhere you go? You should read up on Slashdot's Karma Bonus to see why my posts start out at 2.

      Slashdot has become infested with Google schills but I find it funny more than anything else since it hasn't actually moved the needle on anything but 1st level help desk computer janitors.

      As for "Starting with Gingerbread the Android platform stopped causing support headaches", you can't be serious. Android is still an unmanageable clusterfuck in a corporate, even at JB. I hope you're being paid well enough to post that.

      I don't know where JB is, but Android really hasn't been any harder to manage than IOS at our organization. Blackberry is a little harder since we have to run a BES, but in looking at our past helpdesk tickets, our Android and iPhone ticket counts are about the same. Amusingly, sometimes people submit Android tickets as iPhone tickets, apparently they can't tell the difference. (but we get almost no iPhone tickets classified as Android tickets)

      The only thing we support in our corporate environment is email - we don't even support calendaring, we let users sync their calendars, but we tell them that they may have problems accepting meeting appointments (on both Android and iPhone). For anyone that wants full calendaring support, we recommend Blackberry.

      I'm not recommending Android over IOS (or vice-versa) for the typical user, for most people, a relatively recent Android device or iPhone is going to be a good choice for a smartphone.

    9. Re:Which Android? by vawwyakr · · Score: 1

      I did some searching and you do in fact have to agree to install the program. Even then you have to have accept unknown sources enabled.

    10. Re:Which Android? by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

      I don't think they gave enough details to know for sure that is what's going on - most users won't have configured their phone to install apk's that didn't come from the Android phone, does this attack work against them?

      If they are going to go through the trouble to issue an advisory, they should explain how the attack works so we can educate our users.

      Given it's the FBI, I'm guessing a LOT of people probably have the Amazon store installed as welll, which means the checkbox is checked. Or, don't underestimate the ability of people to check said checkbox if the web page tells them to.

      All you need is a sufficiently motivated user and they'll become the most technically adept person around who can follow instructions. Why they can't do this during a tech support call confounds me, and it's probably more of a behavioral thing.

      The attack is simple. The web page offers up some reason for the user to install the APK - either some popular app for free "Bad Piggies - Full No-Ads FREE!" or other app "APPS FOR FREE! DOWNLOAD!" that the user can be easily tricked into installing. Then they just tap the link, Android downloads it and they tap the APK in the download list to install it. Ignore the permission list (I want my free apps, dammit! Or my free porn! etc.) and boom, the virus is installed.

      It's a variant of double-clicking attachments in emails. And yes, people are that stupid. it's relatively new for phones because well, people expect their phones to be phones and not computers - what harm could happen?

      Replace dancing pigs with free porn, free apps, etc. and there's your infection vector. Oh, and the permission list for Android? That's just a minor speedbump. Heck, in ICS and later, the "install button" moved to the top so you don't have to move your eyes through the list of permissions to begin with (and many are collapsed).

    11. Re:Which Android? by danomac · · Score: 1

      I also have a hard time believing that everyone's rooting their phone. Hell, I'm a tech-y guy, and I didn't even bother rooting my phone until last week (I have the original Galaxy S, two years old now.)

      I have having problems with the carrier's ROM crashing, and I found out there's only two extra steps to flash ICS to the phone rather than their stock ROM.

      If I wouldn't have had an issue with Google Play crashing on the phone I wouldn't have bothered rooting it at all.

  7. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by binarylarry · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Yeah, removing user/customer freedoms to increase safety is totally the way to go.

    Didn't some famous guy say something about that?

    --
    Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
  8. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    And considering how much the government is fucking you? I think Apple is still a damn sight better. If you're that up in arms about Apple you must go absolutely apeshit over the one party system.

  9. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by multiben · · Score: 1

    Not sure what your link is meant to say. There is no personal identification info in the IFA system, and it can be turned off if you particularly object to customised advertisements. You will still get advertisements, but now they'll be random.

  10. Exactly! That's why Linux is virus-infested and.. by Smeagel · · Score: 4, Funny

    Windows is completely free of viruses. Oh wait.

  11. You can't fix stupid. by scottbomb · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Android is secure enough as it is. My HTC will check with me and double check before it installs any apk. As long as there are people who can be suckered into installing unknown software, we will always have viruses.

    1. Re:You can't fix stupid. by Nemyst · · Score: 1

      There is a difference between "unknown software" and "sideloading". Unless you're too incompetent to do a quick background check before downloading and installing an app, there's no inherent risk to sideloading.

      I know I've sideloaded a few apps, most of the time to save money while giving more to the app developer. Sometimes the app wasn't available on the market (say, for emulators).

    2. Re:You can't fix stupid. by hawguy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      My HTC will check with me and double check before it installs any apk. As long as there are people who can be suckered into installing unknown software

      So, basically, you acknowledge you can't sideload safely? How's that walled garden suiting you?

      Just like with all software, you need to trust your source. If I don't like Google Market's policies, prices, or selection, I can move to Amazon's App store (or one of the other alternative app stores). Or I can download direct from the software maker.

      What alternative does an IOS have if he wants to install an app that's been rejected from Apple's store because of the content or features?

    3. Re:You can't fix stupid. by hawguy · · Score: 1

      Ah yes, the Android user refrain. If your ecosystem is fucked and distributing malware and you expect your appliance (which is what people expect a phone, even a smartphone, to be) screws you, well you must be a dumbass. Not helpful and frankly a weak excuse.

      Those that expect their phone to act like an appliance shouldn't sideload apps, if I try to turn on sideloading on my phone, it pops up a warning saying that I'm putting myself at risk. If the user accepts that risk, how is it Androids fault by giving them the option?

      If someone buys a toaster then tries to rewire it and turn it into a space heater, they are a dumbass if it burns their house down - if you buy something to use as an appliance, then use it as that appliance. Don't open it up and start poking around, and then complain that something bad happened.

    4. Re:You can't fix stupid. by Tastecicles · · Score: 1

      but your Android phone's not gonna burn the house down. Unless you've got a Sony battery in it and you're using it while charging.

      --
      Operation Guillotine is in effect.
    5. Re:You can't fix stupid. by hawguy · · Score: 2

      but your Android phone's not gonna burn the house down. Unless you've got a Sony battery in it and you're using it while charging.

      And your toaster isn't going to send your contacts and email to hacker groups. Each appliance has its own risks.

    6. Re:You can't fix stupid. by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

      Just like with all software, you need to trust your source.

      True. However, with Android, all it takes is a friend to show you how to get "cool appz for free!!!" by installing this that and the other thing and big list of apps for you. Stuff like APKTor (is that still around?).

      True me, "paid apps for free" trumps "security". Think dancing pigs.

      Of course, we had viruses before - I know one developer on PalmOS actually had a virus labelled after one of his products - a bug in his (legitimate) app actually destroyed a few Palms when it did an anti-piracy check.

    7. Re:You can't fix stupid. by Paradise+Pete · · Score: 1

      What alternative does an IOS have if he wants to install an app that's been rejected from Apple's store

      You're right, he'd have to do without. For me that's not nearly enough to make the difference. I like the iPhone. I have several Apple devices and I like how they all work together. It's certainly not perfection. It's not even close. But I like it, especially for my family.
      I've been writing software since the Atari 400 was new. I could handle the Android issues. I'd just rather not.

    8. Re:You can't fix stupid. by micheas · · Score: 1
      Pay $100 a year and become an apple app developer and sign what ever software you want to load on your phone?

      I'm not an apple fan, but that is a reasonable option if you are in the iphone ecosystem.

    9. Re:You can't fix stupid. by Trogre · · Score: 1

      Yeah, let's all pay Apple a $100 fee to unlock our own devices. There's a few well established names for that sort of thing, and "reasonable" is not one of them.

      --
      "Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
  12. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by binarylarry · · Score: 1

    That's awesome bro

    --
    Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
  13. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by KrazyDave · · Score: 1

    That's a fallacious argument. The "famous guy's" saying isn't comparable to protecting the average consumer's expectation of having a consumer device that won't leak all of his private info by clicking an "update" or link that is actually a phishing lure. I don't even own or like Android or iOS devices, but I have kids and a wife who do and it's irritating to know that they are vulnerable and it's why I am moving them to iOS ASAP.

    --
    www.chihuahuarescue.com- Help to end dog abuse, abandonment and cruelty
  14. Seriously by Dunbal · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This is not a virus.

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    1. Re:Seriously by tooyoung · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Well, we've kind of dug ourselves into a hole here. For the past two years, we've been describing social engineering attacks against Apple as viruses. Sure, we knew that they weren't, but it helped to dent Apple armor on the "we don't get viruses" claim. When Apple supporters posted that these were trojans, etc, we trolled them and said they were merely arguing semantics. Now we've just got to sit through a little blow back.

  15. Re:Exactly! That's why Linux is virus-infested and by TheNinjaroach · · Score: 1

    Well there's a solid contribution to the conversation at hand..

    --
    I went to eat some animal crackers and the box said, "Do not eat if seal is broken." I opened the box and sure enough..
  16. Function of a device; consumer by tepples · · Score: 1

    I was thinking [an operating system's job] was to facilitate the function of the device

    For one thing, different people have different ideas of what "the function of the device" is. One "function of [a] device" is to allow the user to create additional "function[s] of the device". This is a function that Apple has tended to explicitly reject on an iPad or iPhone. (On the one hand, Codea, but on the other hand, C64 games that got pulled from the store because the user could reboot the virtual C64 to BASIC.)

    for the consumer

    Are you trying to imply something special by the word "consumer" as opposed to "user"?

    1. Re:Function of a device; consumer by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      Right, you post to a page telling you to avoid the word consumer. That shows the bias of the GNU people. The problem is that the GNU group seems to be confused between the word "user" and developer. While a developer can also be a user, most "consumers" are exclusively users. Because of this, you should not expect a typical end user to care about the code availability, care about what license the code is available under or anything else that you seem to think of as important. To an average end user, what matters is "price", functionality, usability and availability/stability. They really don't give a rats arse about FOSS ideals and goals. If they see some developer get whiny and force someone to remove an app from say, the Apple app store, then those users will hate that whiny person and simply search for an alternative even if it is a paid app.

      I'm sorry to bring you a dose of reality. If you want people to use your apps, consider a free license like the MIT or BSD license or alternatively sell it under a commercial license. If you have multiple contributors then you can setup an equitable way of sharing the proceeds of the sale of the licenses after covering any common overhead incurred for setting up shop.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  17. Wow, dangerous by funkylovemonkey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So I have to click on a strange email and then follow an unknown link where I will be asked to download an .apk? Then I will have to go into settings and click on the option to allow me to install something that isn't in the Play Store, click through the warning that tells me that sideloading an app can lead to viruses and malware, and then install the .apk which then asks me if I'm cool with it accessing my contacts, internet and everything else? If you do all that, you're pretty determined to have problems. I imagine that those who know how to side load apps on their phone are smart enough to not randomly install apps from questionable sources. Or at least they should be smart enough to know that they have no one to blame but themselves if they fall for it.

    1. Re:Wow, dangerous by rampant+mac · · Score: 2

      You underestimate the power of human stupidity.

      See: Bonzai Buddy, every IE search toolbar every created, et al.

      --
      I like big butts and I cannot lie.
    2. Re:Wow, dangerous by gmhowell · · Score: 2

      Look, the random email said I had to do that crap to see the dancing baby, so I did it. You have a problem with that?

      --
      Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
  18. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by TrancePhreak · · Score: 1

    I like how you don't bring up the jailbreakme website or acknowledge it exists.

    --

    -]Phreak Out[-
  19. Stupid user warning. by future+assassin · · Score: 1

    >One version is a work-at-home opportunity that promises a profitable payday just for sending out email.

    How about a name and shame app showing idiots who fall for this?

    --
    by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
  20. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Apps leaking private info? Gee, good thing that would never happen in a curated Apple's appstore. Wait, what? Don't tell me they only cared about apps not crashing and being in line with Apple's policies on design and content.

  21. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by ne0n · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Maybe you're too young to remember it but Apple was logging everybody's GPS coordinates for quite a while there. It took a massive outcry before they reversed their policy on unwanted silent tracking without consent. They argued the logs weren't personal info back then.

    --
    $ :(){ :|:& };:
  22. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by narcc · · Score: 1

    If you care about security, get a BlackBerry.

    There is no other option,

  23. Government & Stealth Malware by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Nobody Seems To Notice and Nobody Seems To Care - Government & Stealth Malware

    In Response To Slashdot Article: Former Pentagon Analyst: China Has Backdoors To 80% of Telecoms 87

    How many rootkits does the US[2] use officially or unofficially?

    How much of the free but proprietary software in the US spies on you?

    Which software would that be?

    Visit any of the top freeware sites in the US, count the number of thousands or millions of downloads of free but proprietary software, much of it works, again on a proprietary Operating System, with files stored or in transit.

    How many free but proprietary programs have you downloaded and scanned entire hard drives, flash drives, and other media? Do you realize you are giving these types of proprietary programs complete access to all of your computerâ(TM)s files on the basis of faith alone?

    If you are an atheist, the comparison is that you believe in code you cannot see to detect and contain malware on the basis of faith! So you do believe in something invisible to you, donâ(TM)t you?

    Iâ(TM)m now going to touch on a subject most anti-malware, commercial or free, developers will DELETE on most of their forums or mailing lists:

    APT malware infecting and remaining in BIOS, on PCI and AGP devices, in firmware, your router (many routers are forced to place backdoors in their firmware for their government) your NIC, and many other devices.

    Where are the commercial or free anti-malware organizations and individualâ(TM)s products which hash and compare in the cloud and scan for malware for these vectors? If you post on mailing lists or forums of most anti-malware organizations about this threat, one of the following actions will apply: your post will be deleted and/or moved to a hard to find or âdeleted/junk postsâ(TM) forum section, someone or a team of individuals will mock you in various forms âtin foil hatâ(TM), âconspiracy nutâ(TM), and my favorite, âwhere is the proof of these infections?â(TM) One only needs to search Google for these threats and they will open your malware world view to a much larger arena of malware on devices not scanned/supported by the scanners from these freeware sites. This point assumed youâ(TM)re using the proprietary Microsoft Windows OS. Now, letâ(TM)s move on to Linux.

    The rootkit scanners for Linux are few and poor. If youâ(TM)re lucky, youâ(TM)ll know how to use chkrootkit (but you can use strings and other tools for analysis) and show the strings of binaries on your installation, but the results are dependent on your capability of deciphering the output and performing further analysis with various tools or in an environment such as Remnux Linux. None of these free scanners scan the earlier mentioned areas of your PC, either! Nor do they detect many of the hundreds of trojans and rootkits easily available on popular websites and the dark/deep web.

    Compromised defenders of Linux will look down their nose at you (unless they are into reverse engineering malware/bad binaries, Google for this and Linux and begin a valuable education!) and respond with a similar tone, if they donâ(TM)t call you a noob or point to verifying/downloading packages in a signed repo/original/secure source or checking hashes, they will jump to conspiracy type labels, ignore you, lock and/or shuffle the thread, or otherwise lead you astray from learning how to examine bad binaries. The world of Linux is funny in this way, and Iâ(TM)ve been a part of it for many years. The majority of Linux users, like the Windows users, will go out of their way to lead you and say anything other than pointing you to information readily available on detailed binary file analysis.

    Donâ(TM)t let them get you down, the information is plenty and out there, some from some well known publishers of Linux/Unix books. Search, learn, and share the information on detecting and picking through bad binaries. But this still will not touch

  24. Re:Exactly! That's why Linux is virus-infested and by gmhowell · · Score: 1

    Get a good HOSTS file. Then you're golden.

    --
    Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
  25. not just Android by chowdahhead · · Score: 2
    It's a problem for mobile platforms in general.

    FinFisher spyware made by U.K.-based Gamma Group can take control of a range of mobile devices, including Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iPhone and Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM)’s BlackBerry, an analysis of presumed samples of the software shows...“When FinSpy Mobile is installed on a mobile phone it can be remotely controlled and monitored no matter where in the world the Target is located,” a FinSpy brochure published by WikiLeaks says. Systems that can be targeted include Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)’s Windows Mobile, the Apple iPhone’s iOS and BlackBerry and Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Android, according to the company’s literature. Today’s report says the malware can also infect phones running Symbian, an operating system made by Nokia Oyj (NOK1V), and that it appears the program targeting iOS will run on iPad tablets.

    source

  26. FBI doesn't issue Android virus warning by dgharmon · · Score: 1

    Malware isn't a virus and require the end user to download and run the malware ..

    --
    AccountKiller
  27. Translation for the masses by tooyoung · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I will be asked to download an .apk

    I will install a normal application, like I have done many time before.

    Then I will have to go into settings and click on the option to allow me to install something that isn't in the Play Store

    Loading application that are outside of the walled garden is one of the main reasons for using Android. A bunch of my technical friends advocated this as the main reason for buying this phone in the first place.

    click through the warning that tells me that sideloading an app can lead to viruses and malware

    Sideloading an app, as my technical friends showed me, involves a few steps.

    and then install the .apk which then asks me if I'm cool with it accessing my contacts, internet and everything else

    I'm going to get paid to email people, so the company will need to make sure that I'm actually doing it. In fact, the instructions that they provided actually specified that I'd need to do this.

    1. Re:Translation for the masses by Mathinker · · Score: 1

      And spam still exists because there exist a small minority of people who are simultaneously capable of using computers but not capable enough to learn what spam is and how to avoid it. So what? Because of the small minority of such people, Android is broken? The exact same people could have had their "technical friends" show them how to jailbreak iOS, etc....

  28. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by Killall+-9+Bash · · Score: 2

    Really? With RIM letting repressive governments (but not ours of course) get access to SMS and email? Blackberry would be my LAST option.

    --
    "Prediction: within 10 years, Windows will be a Linux distribution." Me, 7-6-2016
  29. Re:Exactly! That's why Linux is virus-infested and by Killall+-9+Bash · · Score: 2

    The problem with apple products is they just work.... until one day when they just don't.

    And, when it stops working, you either have a VERY expensive repair to deal with, or a very frustrating time trying to google for helpful info.

    --
    "Prediction: within 10 years, Windows will be a Linux distribution." Me, 7-6-2016
  30. FBI? by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 1

    Funny, there's no mention of the FBI in the article. Did someone get over-excited when they wrote the headline?

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  31. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by narcc · · Score: 1

    Well, if you were even a little bit informed you'd know that that only affects some BIS users. It's *impossible* for RIM to "hand over the keys" for BES users because they don't have them.

    That also ignores the fact that governments don't need special cooperation to spy on communications from Android and iOS users -- those don't even offer you the illusion of security.

    So, yes, BlackBerry is the ONLY option if security is a concern. If they're your last option, I hope you're not responsible for making security related decisions!

    But don't let facts stop you from continuing to spread misinformation, even though this particular bit of nonsense has been corrected multiple times in EVERY thread on the subject since the first article appeared on Slashdot.

  32. subject by Legion303 · · Score: 1

    So all I have to do to keep from getting it is to avoid tapping on ads or obviously fake "system update" texts? Wow, that sounds nigh impossible.

  33. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by jeffmeden · · Score: 1

    That's a fallacious argument. The "famous guy's" saying isn't comparable to protecting the average consumer's expectation of having a consumer device that won't leak all of his private info by clicking an "update" or link that is actually a phishing lure.

    I don't even own or like Android or iOS devices, but I have kids and a wife who do and it's irritating to know that they are vulnerable and it's why I am moving them to iOS ASAP.

    I will gladly offer you the service of taking all those buggy, insecure android devices off your hands and dispose of them properly, for a nominal $50 e-recycling fee. I know it sounds like a steal, but I just like knowing mobile users are secure in the big scary world out there. So go ahead and send me those phones, and don't forget to include the check for $50. I am sure you will forget all about them once your new iOS devices arrive. Oh, and you're welcome!

  34. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by rgunnyon · · Score: 1

    Further, they weren't actually YOUR coordinates, but the coordinates of cell towers that your phone saw.

  35. Re:Yet another excellent reason... by AliasBackslash · · Score: 1

    To further invalidate the argument Google's targeting in Android can also be disabled. There's no advantage or disadvantage between iOS and Android as far as ad targeting is concerned.

    Also, your sig, I have that beautiful little piece of Bash printed out and posted in my cubicle. It provides some great entertainment when some poor soul actually decides to run it. It's also fantastic for weeding out poorly informed techs.

  36. Oh, for the love of... by poofmeisterp · · Score: 1

    Come on.

    Anyone who does that much work/effort to get malware on their device (as opposed to browser bugs, random click-throughs, etc) deserves to get pwn3d.

  37. Android Virüs Program by teknoloji24 · · Score: 1

    Android Virüs Program Açklama NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus ile telefonunuzu koruyunWest Coast Labs sertifikal NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus ile telefonunuzu koruyun - Malware, Spyware & Virüsler çkarn ve Telefon Hacking Stay Away from. imdi ÜCRETSZ indirin! Virüs, malware, spyware, trojan ve telefon hack NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus ile android telefon ve tablet koruyun. Telefon Koruma Download NQ Mobile Security, dahil olmak üzere özellikleri: antivirüs, anti-taciz, gizlilik koruma, telefon arama, veri yedekleme, Samsung Galaxy S III için güvenli tarama ve trafik izleme, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, HTC bir X, HTC Bir S, LG Optimus, Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, Huawei vb ÜCRETSZ Özellikler: YEN Malware Scanner Uygulama Denetim Uzaktan Geolocation ÜCRETL Özellikler, sadece $ 9.95/yllk: YEN Malware Scanner Uygulama Denetim Web Security Anti-Theft YEN - uzaktan, bulmak, kilitlemek veya aygt silin - etrafnda neler olup bittiini duyun - SMS yoluyla komutlarn gönderme - SIM deiiklii uyarlar - ifre korumal ayarlar Yeni Özellikler: 1. Arama & SMS Engelleyici (YEN ÖZELLK): Blok istenmeyen SMS ve taciz aramalar . - istenmeyen aramalar ve metinleri kar kendinizi koruyun . blacklisted numara (lar) veya kaytlarnza deil herkes filtrelemek için telefonunuzu blok liste ayarlayn - - aramalar ve Yakalayan metinler her blok tarihinin izlenebilir. - sadece beyaz listede kiilerden gelen aramalar ve metin almak için Seçenek. 2. Intruder Alert (YEN PREMIUM HIRSIZLIK ÖZELLK): davetsiz fotoraflarn çekin ve kaytl e-posta gönderebilirsiniz. - Intruder Alert Gizli bilgi ve özel veri ile eksik telefon bulmanza yardmc olur. Uzaktan kayp telefon kilitleme ile Anti-hrszlk özellii etkinletirebilirsiniz, ve otomatik olarak yanl bir parola ile telefonunuzun kilidini çallyor herkes bir fotoraf çekmek olacaktr. (Gerekli Ön bakan kamera.) -saldrgan fotorafn sonra NQ hesap için kaytl e-posta adresinize gönderilecektir. etiket: Ücretsiz Android Virüs Program, Ücretsiz Virüs Program, Bedava Android Virüs Program, Ücretsiz Android Virüs Programlar, Android Virüs Program, Android Virüs Programlar, Android Virüs Program Kurma, Android Virüs Program Nasl Kurulur, Android Virüs Program Ayarlar http://www.teknolojirehberi.org/Mobil-Ucretsiz-Android-Virus-Programi-398.html etiket: Ücretsiz Android Virüs Program, Ücretsiz Virüs Program, Bedava Android Virüs Program, Ücretsiz Android Virüs Programlar, Android Virüs Program, Android Virüs Programlar, Android Virüs Program Kurma, Android Virüs Program Nasl Kurulur, Android Virüs Program Ayarlar http://www.teknolojirehberi.org/Mobil

    --
    http://www.tr-teknoloji.com http://www.teknolojirehberi.org/