Infected Androids Run Up Big Texting Bills

Hugh Pickens writes "Computerworld reports that a rogue Android app is hijacking smartphones and running up big texting bills to premium rate numbers before the owner knows it. Chinese hackers grabbed a copy of Steamy Windows, a free program, added a backdoor Trojan horse to the app's code, then placed the reworked app on unsanctioned third-party "app stores" where unsuspecting or careless Android smartphones find it, download it and install it."

Re:Oh noes!

[compro01]

Where are you getting pirated software out of this? They're referring to non-Google markets, like Amazon's Appstore, Archos' Appslib, and others.

Re:Oh noes!

[Kitkoan]

The apps weren't pirated since the original App was free. This is one of the catches of freedom. You have the freedom to choose and make it yours, but that freedom can also be the freedom to screw yourself over by malicious people. This is why Android phones by default don't allow you to install non-market apps. You can of course turn that off and install any and everything under the sun that works on Android and that it your choice and freedom but it warns you when trying to do it that you can be taking a risk and be careful what you install. (my phone lists it as "Your phone and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by applications from unknown sources. You agree that you are solely responsible for any damage to your phone or loss of data that may result from using these applications") This is a very good popup (and you have to click OK for it to let you do this) that gives a nice, clear, non-legalese warning. Now if your ignore this clearly spelled out warning and still get screwed over, then its your fault and your problem.

Re:Holy AI, Batman

[Anonymous Coward]

Perhaps I should take away my phone's download privileges...

Sounds like you need an iPhone, my friend ...

Re:That's strange

[Eraesr]

It does, when installing an app you get a list of permissions required for the app which you have to agree to before it is installed. And yes, I must admit that the meaning of this list isn't always as clear and obvious to the less tech-savvy people among us, but it is especially those people that should be careful with what apps they install.