Another round of “clean up” was needed in the Android Market this month. Twenty six destructive files were deleted out Google’s list of products.
Some computer security firms are reporting a spike in malware at this time. Malware is defined as any software designed with malicious intent, hence the “mal” in front of the name. Lookout and AVG technologies were the companies that gave the first tip that something was indeed wrong with these latest destructive android apps.
The android app marketplace is designed to be a place to freely download apps for devices that have the android mobile operating system. It is not policed by Google, but does have a small system in place for alerts from users. Android malware has increased by 400 percent as of last month, so it is wise to keep a close eye on your smartphone or tablet if it is running android. This latest malware was somewhat a copy of the last evil infection. It was released over the Memorial Day weekend and has been given the name of “Droiddreamlight”. Hundreds of thousands of users have already been infected since the holiday.
The latest malware is a payload of destructive software that accomplishes what is called a “root exploit”. For non-geeks, it simply takes over control of the smartphone, tablet, or whatever android happens to be installed in. The personal data of the user can be stolen if the Droiddreamlight malware is allowed to do its dirty work. Some of the names of the programs that are infected are; “Magic Photo Studio”, “Mango Studio”, “System Info Manager”, “Contact Master”, “Brightness Settings” and a host of pornographic apps.
For geeks, the name of the malware is “ANDROIDOS_DORDRAE.L”. It is further classified as a trojan that steals information from the infected device and sends it to other computers. The second wave of computers may also be used to send the infected device more malicious files. The trojan runs in the background without the knowledge of the user. To manually remove the trojan, use this menu sequence; “Settings”, “Applications”, “Manage Applications” and find the offending app and delete it.
Although Google has dispensed with the offending malware from their store they are expected to take the “ultimate step” and also delete it from those devices that were infected. Google has their own “backdoor” in their android system that allows them also to take control of their creation. Those who had Lookout installed on their smartphones or other devices were protected.
