Interesting virus article today

[CharlzO]

Came across this today. Just posting to share for those who haven't seen it. If it needs to be moved or deleted, feel free

Staggering surge in Android gadget viruses: Juniper - Yahoo! News

sure to spark the debates up again, sorry

 

[Rico ANDROID]

...let hope not CharlzO

 

[bioforce]

The usual junk about people installing stupid stuff. The recent Google quote posted in the lounge about AV being junk was far more interesting.

 

[CharlzO]

Oh, I definitely agree that people have to be at least half-conscious about what they install these days, and where they get it. Trying to remember if I read that other one, maybe I'll go do that again just for fun today.

 

[Rico ANDROID]

Oh, I definitely agree that people have to be at least half-conscious about what they install these days, and where they get it. Trying to remember if I read that other one, maybe I'll go do that again just for fun today.

I agree, but I still dont take just any app approved in the market as gospel... just like they've pulled some apps once passed, you never know...

Same with email and text msg attachments. i wont be half hearted just because some say androids cant get infected.

 

[A.Nonymous]

Apple has had malicious apps uploaded to their store before. It's not an unusual thing.

 

[Rico ANDROID]

Apple has had malicious apps uploaded to their store before. It's not an unusual thing.

Nothing's unusual, as long as we got riffraffs out there bent on infiltrating the market with such, but that doesnt mean anyone 'wants' a malware app either. Just have to be aware of what you install or what permissions you are allowing.

 

[Hrethgir]

Have any of these virus's been detected by on-phone AV software yet? Last I heard, none of them had found anything, it was always something the app did that tipped it off.

 

[Slug]

Have any of these virus's been detected by on-phone AV software yet?

Only if they also scan for trojans, keyloggers or other such malware. To quote the article:

Slightly more than half of the malicious applications uncovered were "spyware" designed to steal messages, location, identity or other personal information from devices, according to California-based Juniper.


Most of the remaining viruses were designed to bilk money from smartphone users by sending text messages to premium rate numbers without device owners knowing.

IOW, what is actually being discussed is plain-and-simple malware and not true viruses. If this information did in fact originate from Juniper Networks then it suggests to me that their "Global Threat Center" is of as much use as a chocolate teapot. Accuracy is everything in the security business.

Btw, the above-mentioned discussion about mobile AV software is here.

 

[alostpacket]

.... is of as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Hey now, don't knock it 'till you try it.