Android scare

[Dutchuncle777]

I saw on Google news a few days ago that there is another Android scare that had set the cat among the pigeons. It can wipe your device clean.

There are almost 2,000 viruses/malware aimed at Android and just around 80 - 90 for Windows Mobile. As the latter runs on locked devices, it is obvious that Windows devices are safer to use.

And I am a Linux geek saying this!

 

[kingrob]

I saw on Google news a few days ago that there is another Android scare that had set the cat among the pigeons. It can wipe your device clean.

There are almost 2,000 viruses/malware aimed at Android and just around 80 - 90 for Windows Mobile. As the latter runs on locked devices, it is obvious that Windows devices are safer to use.

And I am a Linux geek saying this!

I normally thought people with Linux skills are a bit more brainy, but now I stand corrected.

Was about to write a lengthy reply, but just can't be bothered. I'll just post the latest ComScore results here, and maybe, just maybe, you can figure out why Android would attract more malware. Um...I'll give you a hint...compare the number of apps available for Android vs Windows Phone.

Oh, and Windows Phone 8 supports USB Mass Storage mode, so expect the number of viruses for Windows Phone to skyrocket once 8 is released.

 

[Fudzy]

I normally thought people with Linux skills are a bit more brainy, but now I stand corrected.

Was about to write a lengthy reply, but just can't be bothered. I'll just post the latest ComScore results here, and maybe, just maybe, you can figure out why Android would attract more malware. Um...I'll give you a hint...compare the number of apps available for Android vs Windows Phone.

Oh, and Windows Phone 8 supports USB Mass Storage mode, so expect the number of viruses for Windows Phone to skyrocket once 8 is released.

The joy and agony of a completely open system.

 

[IziWhatNow]

How many of those viruses can actually be contracted from an app on play store or an email attachment? Probably not much. I bet most of them are spread through custom APKs and pirated apps. So not really relevant to most Android users

 

[marine1]

I could care less if mine is wiped, everything is backed up

 

[valiente]

Wow so if you still use a Symbian phone you could be considered a fossil...

 

[Fudzy]

I could care less if mine is wiped, everything is backed up

I'd be more worried about it picking up your account details.

 

[AlphaJohn]

I saw on Google news a few days ago that there is another Android scare that had set the cat among the pigeons. It can wipe your device clean.

There are almost 2,000 viruses/malware aimed at Android and just around 80 - 90 for Windows Mobile. As the latter runs on locked devices, it is obvious that Windows devices are safer to use.

And I am a Linux geek saying this!

Well in that case remind me never to ever let you anywhere near my Linux servers.

Android does not have Viruses. It has programs that contain hidden code that can only access the same functions/API's as what the user can, they can not for example damage the core OS. Whats worse they need the user to accept the permissions or access request before they can install onto your device.

If you one of the people that do not read said permission requests it might be a good idea to install an Ad Detector and review the permissions once in a while or if you really lazy install something like Lookout that checks your installed applications against a list of known "malware".

As for the wiping of data, this is a miss use of a programed function Being able to trigger USSD codes via Web input. One that has been fixed ages ago with limitations on the main Android branch. The only devices that is affected is the ones where OEM's did not include said fixes.

 

[marine1]

I'd be more worried about it picking up your account details.

None on there

 

[AlphaJohn]

I'd be more worried about it picking up your account details.

I use 2 step Authentication.

So all I can say to apps trying to take my account detail is Good lock trying to use the username & password on another device.

 

[Fudzy]

I use 2 step Authentication.

So all I can say to apps trying to take my account detail is Good lock trying to use the username & password on another device.

So you carry two phones around with you?

 

[Fudzy]

None on there

So it's not connected to the internet? Either that or you use fake credentials on a separate device? Both I would mean the user experience is extremely crippled.

 

[AlphaJohn]

So you carry two phones around with you?

No need to, the phone was set up using a 1 time password. if you ever try to use it again it will fail.

If you read the info on the link I provided you would understand how it works.

 

[kingrob]

The joy and agony of a completely open system.

For me it has been a pure joy, and continues to be.

Agony would be someone who doesn't have much knowledge about custom ROMs & installing software from unknown sources, etc. , but still does it and then come crying on forums when weird things start to happen with the phone.

Same goes for any pc user who wonders over to warez web sites and expects to download cracks/keygens without malware/viruses accompanying the crack/keygen files.

 

[Fudzy]

For me it has been a pure joy, and continues to be.

Agony would be someone who doesn't have much knowledge about custom ROMs & installing software from unknown sources, etc. , but still does it and then come crying on forums when weird things start to happen with the phone.

Same goes for any pc user who wonders over to warez web sites and expects to download cracks/keygens without malware/viruses accompanying the crack/keygen files.

Yes but that just leaves space for antivirus companies to profiteer. I agree though, it's better to have this type of system available for those who want to experiment.

 

[Fudzy]

The big question is whether or not your information can be comprised without SU access. I mean if I created an app called Female Orgasm Simulator, I could probably infect enough handsets before the gates get shut.

 

[kingrob]

Yes but that just leaves space for antivirus companies to profiteer. I agree though, it's better to have this type of system available for those who want to experiment.

PC users normally catch a wake-up call after they got their first virus/malware, guess the same goes for your phone?

 

[kingrob]

The big question is whether or not your information can be comprised without SU access. I mean if I created an app called Female Orgasm Simulator, I could probably infect enough handsets before the gates get shut.

LOL...and most of the time the carrot in front of the donkey is some porn related app.

 

[Park@82]

Storm in a teacup.

I saw on Google news a few days ago that there is another Android scare that had set the cat among the pigeons. It can wipe your device clean.

Not an Android exploit more of a backdoor that was left open by the manufacturers (HTC and Samsung). Now pached by Samsung from what I understand and plugged in all Jellybean devices.

AFAIK the exploit triggers a USSD command (wipe command) via a web link. Not very likely to happen to anyone that doesn't go onto dodgy sites.

 

[Fudzy]

LOL...and most of the time the carrot in front of the donkey is some porn related app.

Indeed, anyone remember that sol.exe that had the Netbus (or BO, can't remember) trojan attached? Sheesh people fell for that hard. Before the days of bank details linked to multi app accounts etc.