Android Botnet Infects 1 Million Plus Phones

Trailrunner7 writes "Up to a million Android users in China could be part of a large mobile botnet, according to research unveiled by Kingsoft Security, a Hong Kong-based security company, this week. The botnet has spread across phones running the Android operating system via Android.Troj.mdk, a Trojan that researchers said exists in upwards of 7,000 applications available from non-Google app marketplaces, including the popular Temple Run and Fishing Joy games." Update: 01/19 12:54 GMT by S : Changed summary to reflect that these apps didn't come from Google Play.

Comments

Excellent fact-checking as usual

[Macthorpe]

http://www.zdnet.com/new-android-malware-infects-100000-chinese-smartphones-7000000497/

Not in Google Play at all.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[SternisheFan]

http://www.zdnet.com/new-android-malware-infects-100000-chinese-smartphones-7000000497/

Not in Google Play at all.

Thank you! These 7000 plus apps were 3rd party apps that were not downloaded from Google Play.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[AmiMoJo]

Since most people are too lazy to RTFA the malware infected apps are actually on China Mobile's own app store, not Google Play.

It looks like another case of a company thinking "everyone has an app store, we should get one!" but not realizing there is a need to actively police it.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[Anonymous Coward]

Doesn't that imply that if Google-Play/Android was a walled garden like iPhone/iTunes this would not have happened?

Um, no.

Just because China Mobile's (cr)app store isn't doing its job doesn't mean Google should become as draconian as Apple in this regard. People have a choice, and if they are willing to download from a poorly regulated source, and are willing to endure infections just so they don't have to pay for their apps, that's their business. I certainly hope their data plans are unlimited.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[jareth-0205]

You did not answer the question about walled gardens. In fact, you gave a hint that the absence of a walled garden *did* exacerbate the problem.

Probably does. The price of freedom is that people are free to install malware.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[Nerdfest]

The price of Apple's walled garden is that they get to define what is malware. (So far, things like apps to teach children how to program, games that are too 'political', porn, Android magazines, etc). I'll take my chances, thanks.

Re:Excellent fact-checking as usual

[SternisheFan]

Damn it! iPhone is once again not affected. One of these days I'll get the chance to welcome the malware overlords!

I wouldn't act so apple-ey smug, if I were you. Apple iPhones have infected apps out there in the wild also, same as Android. If you jailbreak your phone and download apps from outside the apple store, you too will be risking getting malware.

Re:Not from Google Play

[berashith]

This is a simple case of "just because you can, doesnt mean you should". I like the OPTION of loading apps from anywhere. I also pay attention to what gets installed and where. I turn off the alternate installation locations unless I am actively installing something. The people who want pay apps for free just pay a price that isnt money, and their stupidity should have no impact on my ability to be allowed to use my device as I want. No need to force your draconian bliss on the rest of the planet.