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Facebook source of Android virus

0. phoneArena posted on 25 Feb 2012, 00:46

The Sophos security website says that links from Facebook are spreading malware on Android handsets; the good news is that there are easy steps to take to prevent you and your handset from getting ensared such as disabling sideloading apps on your device...

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1. clevername posted on 25 Feb 2012, 01:07 2 0

Clever close. +1

2. frydaexiii posted on 25 Feb 2012, 01:26 10 6

Exactly, what I keep telling iFans who claim that Android is full of viruses. Don't be an idiot and viruses won't be a problem.

6. simplyj posted on 25 Feb 2012, 11:16 3 0

The only problem is that about 96% of the population are all idiots. there's no saving them.

3. atheisticemetic posted on 25 Feb 2012, 08:09 3 0

computer classes with common sense 101 need to be mandatory for all Americans

this is just ridiculous......how can people be so stupid?

7. Whateverman posted on 25 Feb 2012, 11:27 3 0

Big thumbs up on the picture/avatar! I had to look at it three times before I got it, but that is hilarious!!!

4. VinCrel posted on 25 Feb 2012, 09:02 0 0

I don't think they are stupid..
If you're going to take a look at all those "efforts" to lure them into clicking a link in Facebook, or anywhere else, it is always either, "You win in a lottery" or " scrape the paint of a girl's body" or "Somebody messaged you" ..
So unless you are so greedy to click on a lottery that you know you did not subscribe to or just itching to take a look at the body of a very beautiful woman (which I would if given the possibility) you will not be having such viruses..
Man, can't they just control their desires.. :D

5. theBankRobber posted on 25 Feb 2012, 10:11 0 0

What I don't understand is how the downloaded any-name.apk installed itself . I know the Facebook invite caused it to download by itself but 3rd party apps have to manually be installed if im correct.

8. Stuntman posted on 25 Feb 2012, 19:38 0 0

From what I can tell from this video and by looking at the source web site, Sophos, the app did not install by itself. I feel the video could be done better. He just cuts it off after it downloaded which will confuse some people. What he should have done was continue saying that it caused the app to download, but not install and then describe what you should not do so as to avoid installing it. The author of the video is talking about how many people can be mislead and yet he makes a video that may mislead the same people into thinking that the app would install all by itself.

Bottom line is that this app will not install by itself. It will download and remain on your phone. If you forget about it and then find it on your phone later and accidentally install it, you won't know what hit you. You should find this file and remove it immediately.

Also, if you do not allow apps to be installed from unknown sources, this app should not be able to install on your phone. That is something that at least I find to be a useful precaution against malware.

10. pbui.818 posted on 26 Feb 2012, 00:05 0 0

Amazon App Store for Android. Free App of the Day.
The issue is not trivially simple as everyone seems to think.
Many forms of malware propagates by stealing contact information and masquerading itself as someone you know. Email protocols are easy to masquerade identity.
Once infiltrated, the devices can function as part of a botnet system.

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