Android Malware Intercepts Text Messages, Forwards To Criminals

Posted by samzenpus on Thursday May 23, 2013 @12:38PM from the stealing-the-grocery-list dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A new piece of Android malware has been discovered that can intercept your incoming text messages and forward them on to criminals. Once installed, the trojan can be used to steal sensitive messages for blackmailing purposes or more directly, codes which are used to confirm online banking transactions. The malware in question, detected as "Android.Pincer.2.origin" by Russian security firm Doctor Web, is the second iteration of the Android.Pincer family according to the company. Both threats spread as security certificates, meaning they must be deliberately installed onto an Android device by a careless user."

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This is why I hate Android by OhANameWhatName · 2013-05-23 13:10 · Score: 0, Flamebait

The potential for Malware is just too high. Every geek will 'blame the user' but it's time to take responsibility and blame the platform.

I constantly, repeatedly and persistently tell everyone who asks to buy an iPhone. The platform is safe. No ifs, ands, buts or blaming the users for their stupidity. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong.

This is just the leading edge of the wave. If the authors can get this into the Play store, they will. It's just a matter of time before Android phones become infected with premium line diallers and other wonderfully creative nasties. The 'Free' platform is slowly becoming the 'Free for all' platform.