Recent Android malware threat not as scary as previously thought

Remember those pesky Android malware-containing apps that the guys at Symantec informed us of last week? Well, it turns out that they may have exaggerated a bit as the malicious software is, in fact, not as dangerous as previously thought. The apps in question only contain excessively annoying adware code, which, except for causing a small headache, do not have the potential to put your device at risk or expose your sensitive data.

However, the adware code concealed within the apps still can do a few things, which many people would be annoyed by. For example, it changes the browser's home page and is capable of adding and removing bookmarks. Also, an unneeded shortcut is added to the smartphone's home screen. This shortcut is actually one of the clues, from which users can tell that they have the said adware installed. But other than that, the device should be safe from harm. 

It is said that at least one million people currently have the aforementioned malware running on their smartphones, yet the actual number can be as high as 5 million. Still, Google is not planning on removing any of the apps that contain it as they are not in conflict with its terms and conditions. 

source: Symantec via SlashGear