Two More Spyware Programs Identified on Android Devices

  • Feb 28, 2011
On the heels of Hong Tou Tou, two more spyware programs on Android devices have been captured by NetQin Mobile Inc. Named "SW.SecurePhone" and "SW.Qieting," the spyware may create serious privacy leaks.

Once installed, SW.SecurePhone will run in the background without any icon displayed, monitoring the phone and collecting data to save on the SD card. The data, including messages, call logs, phone location, recorded sounds around the phone and pictures in the phone, will then be uploaded to a remote server every 20 minutes. This will compromise privacy as well as create internet traffic. This spyware is mainly distributed in the U.S through Internet downloads.

SW.Qieting automatically forwards messages received to a monitoring phone without the user's awareness. Similarly, there is no icon displayed after installation, making it difficult for the user to be aware of the application’s installation.

More and more mobile threats to the Android are being discovered. The typical ones include Geinimi identified by NetQin last November and Hong Tou Tou last week. Because of this, users should be cautious when using their Android devices, especially when downloading applications from the Web.

To stay safe:
  • Download applications from trusted sources and check reviews, ratings and developer information before downloading.
  • Never blindly accept application requests. Closely monitor permissions requested by any application; an application should not request to do more than what it offers in its official list of features.
  • Be on alert for unusual fees, as this may be a sign that your phone is infected.
  • Install a trusted security application to protect your phone from security threats.


Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • Survey: 72% of CISOs Are Concerned Generative AI Solutions Could Result In Security Breach

    Metomic recently released its “2024 CISO Survey: Insights from the Security Leaders Keeping Critical Business Data Safe.” Metomic surveyed more than 400 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from the U.S. and UK to gain deeper insights on the state of data security. The report includes survey findings on various cybersecurity issues, including security leaders’ top priorities and challenges, SaaS app usage across their organization, and biggest concerns with implementing generative AI solutions. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • 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. 3