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View Full Version : Android battery apps are highest source of mobile malware in the UK



wraggster
October 25th, 2012, 23:25
AdaptiveMobile recently warned that a large number of battery-saving apps have actually been designed to scam users (http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/scam-battery-apps-want-to-charge-your-wallets-and-not-your-phones/018892) with premium texts and not conserve power.
Antivirus provider Bitdefender now supports the news with data that shows Android 'Battery Doctor' has come out on top as the most aggressive smartphone malware threat in the UK.
The firm conducted the research over a nine month period to find the battery optimisation app contains the Android.Trojan.FakeDoc virus, which intercepts Gmail messages and location info before broadcasting them to a server.
The virus was at its peak between April and May when it accounted for 76 per cent of all discovered malware.
It's not just battery apps to worry about though, as the 'Slot Machine' game on Google Play has been found to store malicious adware which can display a high level of pop ups and manipulate home screen shortcuts with unwanted promos.
Despite this, the app has achieved more than half a million downloads.
Alexandru Balan, chief security researcher at Bitdefender, said: "The mobile apps industry is facing a period of rapid evolution towards radically more aggressive and commercially-oriented attacks.
"Smartphones, our 24 hour connection to the internet, will become the first target for those looking to steal our banking credentials, credit card numbers and other personal information."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/android-battery-apps-are-highest-source-of-mobile-malware-in-the-uk/019682