SMS-Controlled Malware Hijacking Android Phones 94
wiredmikey writes "Security researchers have discovered new Android malware controlled via SMS that can do a number of things on the compromised device including recording calls and surrounding noise. Called TigerBot, the recently discovered malware was found circulating in the wild via non-official Android channels. Based on the code examination, the researchers from NQ Mobile, alongside researchers at North Carolina State University said that TigerBot can record sounds in the immediate area of the device, as well as calls themselves. It also has the ability to alter network settings, report its current GPS coordinates, capture and upload images, kill other processes, and reboot the phone. TigerBot will hide itself on a compromised device by forgoing an icon on the home screen, and by masking itself with a legit application name such as Flash or System. Once installed and active, it will register a receiver with a high priority to listen to the intent with action 'android.provider.Telephony.SMS_RECEIVED.'"
Re:Not News (Score:4, Interesting)
Downloading from reputable sources
I'm genuinely curious .. how does the Android marketplace (and I mean this generally) define and validate a "reputable source'?
Everyone should be like AC. (Score:5, Interesting)
I guess nobody ever roots their iPhones to install homebrew software. All of those rooting videos on youtube must be my imagination.
@AC - Just because YOU don't have a need or desire to install software from alternative sources doesn't mean nobody else should. That's not even a platform specific desire. Apple or Android - if you own a smartphone you have a portable computer in your pocket. There will always be people who want to tinker and think outside the box and push the limits of what they can do WITH A DEVICE THEY OWN. They shouldn't have to play by Apple's rules, Google's rules, or yours. It doesn't make them 'fandroids', it makes them curious.