Google Pulls 21 Malware Apps From Android Market 242
Hugh Pickens writes writes "CNN reports that Google has pulled 21 free apps from the Android Market that, according to the company, are aimed at gaining root access to the user's device, gathering a wide range of available data, and downloading more code without the user's knowledge. Unfortunately although Google has moved swiftly to remove the apps, they have already been downloaded by at least 50,000 Android users. The apps are all pirated versions of popular games and utilities which once downloaded, root the user's device using a method like rageagainstthecage, then use an Android executable file (APK) to nab user and device data, such as your mobile provider and user ID, and finally act as a wide-open backdoor for your device to quietly download more malicious code. 'If you've downloaded one of these apps, it might be best to take your device to your carrier and exchange it for a new one, since you can't be sure that your device and user information is truly secure,' writes Jolie O'Dell. 'Considering how much we do on our phones — shopping and mobile banking included — it's better to take precautions.'"
Re:This is one reason why I have an iPhone (Score:4, Interesting)
but at least I know someone at Apple has personally looked at every app and its update I installed on my phone so a situation like this won't happen.
That's a "famous last words" just waiting to happen. Yes, it's arguably more unlikely. But to say it won't ever happen is just dumb.
Re:iPhone suddenly looks wise (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Exchange (Score:4, Interesting)
You may not earn £100 for yourself, but your employer might bill your time with customers at £100/hour.
If you're being charged out at £100/hour you are probably earning about a third of that, going by the professional rule of thumb of one third salary one third overheads and one third profit.. £33/hour is about £60K/year, which sounds more likely than £200K.
Yes, I know everyone here on slashdot is a superstar programmer earning $10m + a year just in stock options, just think of us little guys as you're snorting cocaine off hookers' tits on one of your yachts.