More than 50 applications on Google's Android Market were found infected with malware called "DroidDream," which can compromise personal data by taking over the user's device. When alerted by Android police, Google suspended the applications imidiately.
Google removed the apps from the Market, but it's not clear whether it has removed them from devices to which they have been downloaded. So far as many as 200,000 Android devices could have been infected. WOW!
This shocking information came after Google learned that it "steals nearly everything it can and sends it back to a central server: Phone, Type, Carrier, User ID, Serial Number. However,that's all child's play; the true horror is that it has the ability to download code. In other words, there's no way to know what the application does after it's installed – it can do anything it wants – like take credit card and bank information if it's available.
The Androind Security Software Company, Lookout, has a list of over 50 apps that were affected. Click here for a link to the blog listing the software.
Android is the most popular phone operating system today. It has tons of free applications available on the Android Market and Goggle does not charge for most of them. The creators can put software on the market for free. Imagine the damage someone can do by creating a rogue application! The market grows larger everyday. Let's hope Google has a handle on this mess before we all end up with drained bank accounts.
Now, on to the desktop / laptop computers and “free” software. Please, remember that nothing comes free!
Most of us never take the time to read the user agreements. We just keep clicking the “NEXT” button until we’ve installed the software. We’re then surprised to learn that our e-mail is filled with thousands of spam messages and we’ve lost control of our browsers. We may find strange charges on our bank account – or our family members are panicking because they are under attack by spam from your computer.
That’s right, BOTS are big business!
Sometimes we actually grant permissions for personal information to be transmitted to a central server. It’s imperative that you take the time to know what you’re installing on your computer. Software often isn’t what you thought you were installing. Malware, trojans and viruses can be picked up simply by visiting the wrong websites.
Find out what's happening in Dundalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The cyber criminals scan your computer and if you don’t have good malware protection, you can pick up a virus without knowing it. Be sure to use a good firewall and keep it on!
A good anti-malware program to have in your arsenal is “Malwarebytes." It can be a life saver when your PC gets nasty infection. The software is free (click the Download Now button) but need to update it every day. If you pay the $25 for the registered version, updates are automatic plus you have another “advanced” scan to use. If you don’t have any other kind of protection, it can save your computer.
Before you run ANY SCAN make sure you disable your System Restore. Viruses will often hide in the system restore and once you think its gone, it comes back again.
The last free software I want to talk about is “TOOL BARS." They are nothing but direct access to your computer. Anything you want from a Toolbar can be found on Google. They are often accompanying coupons or media web sites like FREE SATTELITE TV or MP3 DOWNLOADS. Stay away from toolbars and stay secure. If you have computer issues or questions ,post them in this blog, email me, or visit my website at www.compudocservices.net