SECURITY ALERT: Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloaded by million

[dogie678]

No, why dont you tell me? Wasnt there an article on the front page of this website about a bunch of security vulnerabilities found on Macs?

go to Google or ask your local computer expert.

 

[3.1416]

Just like there's a gazillion more viruses/spywares/trojans on Windows than on MAC OS X.

Right, that must be because Apple only allows approved apps on OS X.

 

[kdarling]

Interestingly, the source for the original article included warnings about Apple's App Store as well. For example, the researchers pointed out that :

A higher percentage of iPhone apps (14% iPhone vs. 8% Android apps)
access people's Contacts information.

Are a lot of apps (for either OS) selling our info to make up for not making money in a crowded app market? Who knows.

What would be useful is if all phones had a user accessible log of client-initiated communications, and personal info accesses.

 

[bks691]

OUCH! Yes, this is a BIG time problem with the android app store and google! Your information is not safe and google is the #1 best virus you can add to your phone or computer! They are information thieves and should not be trusted +1 for Apples walled garden!!

 

[Oletros]

WRONG.


iPhone's market share >>>>>> Android's market share


Number of spyware/botnet/etc. on Android >>>>>>>> iPhone

Any proof for that?

 

[Chwisch87]

To my knowledge, there has never been a major issue of a malicious program getting past Apple app approvers. Nothing near to 1.4 to 4.4 or something million downloads. It simply just doesn't happen.

Now most android faithful will scream and shout that all programs tell you what they have access too ... ok fine. However lets take 100 people who have android phone and ask them how many of them have the slightest idea of what file permissions are ... maybe 5 out of 100?

Most people don't know how computers work. It is as simple as that. This is why Apple has chosen to take a lot of control over the iPhone. You may not like it and if you really want that control, there is an android phone for you.

 

[wreckshop]

go to Google or ask your local computer expert.

I'll take that as a "you dont know why"

 

[sciwizam]

Here is more detailed coverage, including the app developers response.

http://www.androidcentral.com/android-privacy-concern-lookout-response

Here's the security firm's blog post about their research.

http://blog.mylookout.com/2010/07/mobile-application-analysis-blackhat/

 

[GamecockMac]

Stop this PR. Have you not heard about recent case where Flashlight application for iPhone was doing much more than it was supposed to (i.e. tethering). It could have as well be doing spying.

Oh, this is some of the best (most desperate) FUD-spreading yet from one of the true masters of the art.

"OMG YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR IPHONE COULD BE DOING WHEN YOU'RE ASLEEP. IT MIGHT MURDER YOUR CHILDREN! IT MIGHT DOWNLOAD KIDDY PORN AND EMAIL IT TO YOUR BOSS!"

Do you actually think anyone here takes one word you write seriously? If you do, that's just sad.

 

[Dontazemebro]

Yes we may have malware, spyware and the whole kit & kaboodles but can your iFail do this ......

Didn't think so

 

[Daveoc64]

OUCH! Yes, this is a BIG time problem with the android app store and google! Your information is not safe and google is the #1 best virus you can add to your phone or computer! They are information thieves and should not be trusted +1 for Apples walled garden!!

I think the Jailbreak is a -1000 for Apple's Walled Garden.

All you need to do is visit a website and that website can run software on your phone.

Don't you think that's a bit more of a security risk than Google?