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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."
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.
Places and things people should not be clicking on in the first place.
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?"
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.
http://www.slashgear.com/apple-quietly-turns-on-ios-6-iphone-advert-tracking-12251611/
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.
Windows is completely free of viruses. Oh wait.
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.
This is not a virus.
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
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?
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.
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.
$
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
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
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