Spyware in Market

[marquisimo]

I saw this article today about a seriously malicious app that is in the market. After looking through he forums, the going concern is that spyware is not a problem. However, since there is little oversight in the market I think that apps like this are a serious problem. You all might disagree, but what are your thoughts and what is the best way to prevent something like this from happening to my phone.

Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloaded by millions | VentureBeat

 

[skytechnetwork.com]

You mean Android Market has virus ?

 

[bluenova]

You mean Android Market has virus ?

No. Spyware has nothing to do with Viruses.

I think it is still up for debate as to whether this author is really doing anything 'evil' I found no reference to the subject on MyLookout's blog and I would have thought they would be all over it.

If anything is questionable about these apps then MyLookout will already be in communication with Google about it and Google have the power to remove the questionable apps from your phone.

 

[skyehaven]

No. Spyware has nothing to do with Viruses.

I think it is still up for debate as to whether this author is really doing anything 'evil' I found no reference to the subject on MyLookout's blog and I would have thought they would be all over it.

If anything is questionable about these apps then MyLookout will already be in communication with Google about it and Google have the power to remove the questionable apps from your phone.

I just heard about this via phandroid. I don't know whether or not it's malicious and can't imagine what they'd do with that information that could damage me, but in case I have a stunted imagination I'm uninstalling for now. Too bad, they had good pictures.

 

[Alieno]

I just heard about this via phandroid. I don't know whether or not it's malicious and can't imagine what they'd do with that information that could damage me, but in case I have a stunted imagination I'm uninstalling for now. Too bad, they had good pictures.

Depends on what kind of information they got and how much. But the damage could be anything from opening a credit card under your name with your information to full fledged identify theft (an utter nightmare).

I made a thread about this story in the lounge forum.

I GUARANTEE that this isn't the one and only App that is doing that kind of stuff, odds are there are many many more.

 

[TheBrit]

Anyone care to educate me as to why you need a frikin app for wallpaper?

 

[teky]

Several articles on most of the Android blogs about this, including Phandroid. It's posted just a few threads below this one. Simple...Android tells every customer exactly what information an app has access to during installation. People need to pay attention to that. The should not be installing apps (like wallpapers) that are requesting access that makes no sense. The market is loaded with spam apps and malware. It's up to users to pay attention. Caveat Emptor.

 

[Isthmus]

Anyone care to educate me as to why you need a frikin app for wallpaper?

Excellent question. I've asked myself the same thing on numerous occasions.