Over 60% of Android Malware Hides In Fake Versions of Popular Apps

An anonymous reader writes "Like any popular platform, Android has malware. Google's mobile operating system is relatively new, however, so the problem is still taking form. In fact, it turns out that the larger majority of threats on Android come from a single malware family: Android.FakeInstaller, also known as OpFake, which generates revenue by silently sending expensive text messages in the background. McAfee says that the malware family makes up more than 60 percent of Android samples the company processes."

NOT apps on Play

[oGMo]

Top of article:

McAfee says that the malware family makes up more than 60 percent of Android samples the company processes.

End of article:

If you want to significantly reduce your chance of getting malware such as this one, only install apps from the official Google Play store. That being said, malware has snuck into the store before, so it can happen again.

So in essence this article is a nearly-worthless scare piece. Unless you're downloading "pirated" versions of (presumably) commercial apps from a shady source, this article isn't relevant. But then, it's a McAfee article, so surprise.

Re:How does an expensive SMS make them money?

[compro01]

Premium messaging services. Like those "text "joke" to 55555 for a joke of the day" ads on TV or donate-via-text things. The carrier pays them, and tacks that charge onto your bill.

Re:Not a problem iOS users have.

[ThatsMyNick]

Rooting an iphone and installing apps from strange sources in Android are both like living in the ghetto. Using an unrooted iPhone is like living in a jail (mmm, I wonder where I got this analogy from.). Using Android and installing apps only from Play Store, Amazon store, and app you write/your friends write, is the real equivalent to living in a decent neighborhood.

Re:How does an expensive SMS make them money?

[ThatsMyNick]

And you can block these too. Call your carrier and ask from them to disable Third Party Billing. I know AT&T and Verizon do it for you, when you ask. No more "premium sms charges", no more "premium sex line charges"

Re:McAfee is trying hard to get into this market

[farble1670]

I haven't seen anything from Amazon saying you should uncheck it after installation for your own protection.

that's because if you uncheck it, amazon app store won't be able to install any amazon app store apps. amazon app store is not a privileged app. all of the apps you install via amazon app store are side loaded.