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Recent Android malware threat not as scary as previously thought

Recent Android malware threat not as scary as previously thought

Posted: 02 Feb 2012, 02:19, by Nick T.

Categories: Android Android Software Software Bookmark

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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

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1. bloodline posted on 02 Feb 2012, 03:27 12 2

3 years on android, no virus or malware ever and I have downloaded a ton of apps

2. InternetsTroll posted on 02 Feb 2012, 04:06 3 2

Pics or it didn't happen

3. remixfa posted on 02 Feb 2012, 07:54 0 1

well, the boards (the intelligent non-troll members) called that right. they just made a big deal out of nothing to try to scare people into buying their product. its not malware, its just annoying

4. iamcaa posted on 02 Feb 2012, 10:23 0 0

i guess we will be seeing more and more annoying adware if this is allow in android. we have keep deleting, and changing our homepage

5. networkdood posted on 02 Feb 2012, 21:22 0 0

DUH!! Stop scaring people with bogus articles. Never ever had a trojan/virus on any smartphone or on a PC - why? 'cause I know what I am doing....

6. networkdood posted on 02 Feb 2012, 21:23 0 0

Adware gets rid of most ads...

7. shnibz posted on 03 Feb 2012, 01:13 0 0

I just got that search short cut on my homepage on GNex :( how do i get rid of this malware?

8. Sdubb3 posted on 06 Feb 2012, 19:23 0 0

I just got caught by this crap. I recently installed Line Runner and Funny Bus games and the search icon popped up on one of my screens. Lookout didn't even catch it. I uninstalled both games (icon on screen stayed) and installed Norton Lite. Says phone is safe but now I'm paranoid. Malware is malware right?