Android Phone Users Warned of Hong Tou Tou Virus

  • Feb 23, 2011
A new virus on Android devices has been spotted in China by NetQin, a mobile security service provider. Dubbed "Hong Tou Tou," the virus targets Chinese users and is distributed by hiding itself in legitimate apps such as the well-known game RoboDefense.

Once the app containing Hong Tou Tou is started, the virus will connect to a network in the background and will attempt to collect private information in the phone, encrypt it and send it to a remote server controlled by the virus writer. The virus is also capable of analyzing the user's private information using key words. These behaviors result in serious leakage of the user's privacy.

However, if you are using NetQin Mobile Anti-virus 4.6 for Android on your smartphone, you can rest assured as it protects your phone with a high-scan capability. NetQin experts give the following suggestions for users to stay safe with your phone:

  • Download applications from trusted sources, reputable application stores and markets, and be sure to check reviews, ratings and developer information before downloading. Beware of the repackaged mobile apps from Android market, especially those labeled as "cracked version" or "revised version," as they may be embedded with viruses.
  • Never blindly accept application requests. Closely monitor permissions requested by any application; an application should not request permission to do more than what it offers in its official list of features.
  • Be alert for unusual behaviors on your phone, such as stealthy network connection or SMS.
  • Download a trusted security application that can scan the applications being downloaded onto any mobile device and perform a full scan for your phone regularly to keep away viruses, malware and Trojans.
 


Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.