Android Smartphones House Pre-installed Spyware -- Security Today

Android Smartphones House Pre-installed Spyware

By Ginger Hill
Jun 18, 2014

Android Smartphones House Pre-installed Spyware German researchers have honed in on the Star N9500, an Android device manufactured in China that is being distributed across Europe with pre-installed malware disguised as a Google Play Store app. Researchers have discovered that there is no way for the device owner to remove or disable the malicious application because it is integrated with the smartphone’s firmware.

This spyware runs in the background and can’t be detected by users as the device sends personal data to a server in China enabling the retrieval of personal data, interception of calls and online banking data, reading emails or text messages and control of the camera and microphone remotely.

Thus far, the server in China is anonymous so there’s no way of knowing who receives or uses the personal data.

I wonder if this is happening in other countries too.

(Photo Credit: OlegDoroshin / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

Survey: Nearly Half of Employees Hide Workplace AI Use

Laserfiche, a SaaS provider of intelligent content management and business process automation, recently released new survey findings on AI adoption in the workplace, revealing that nearly half of Americans (49%) who use AI at work keep it to themselves, with 15% deliberately avoiding telling their manager. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
46% of Enterprise Passwords Are Vulnerable to Cracking

Picus Security recently released The Blue Report™ 2025, based on more than 160 million real-world attack simulations. Now in its third year, the report provides a data-driven assessment of how well security controls perform against today’s threats — and this year’s findings are the most concerning to date. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Community-Led Video Security Network Transforms Pennsylvania City Public Safety

A community-supported video security initiative has transformed public safety in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The citizen-led collaboration demonstrates how open platform video technology can help revitalize struggling urban areas. Read Now
- Government
Browser-Based AI Agents: The Silent Security Threat Unfolding

Some of the most revolutionary advances in artificial intelligence include browser-based AI agents, which are self-sustaining software tools integrated into web browsers that act on behalf of individuals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: Cybercriminals Abandon Tech Tricks for Personalized Email Deception Tactics

VIPRE Security Group, a cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection company, has released its email threat landscape report for Q2 2025. Through an examination of worldwide real-world data, this report sounds the alarm on the most significant email security trends observed in the second quarter of 2025, enabling organizations to develop effective email security defenses for the remainder of the year. Read Now
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Survey: Walking Alone at Night is the Greatest Safety Fear of Women Nationwide

LifeSafety Power Announces New Power Integration with ProdataKey

PureTech Systems, Clear Align Partner to Deliver Advanced Autonomous Security, Command-and-Control for U.S. Air Force Tactical Security System

Survey: Nearly Half of Employees Hide Workplace AI Use

Securitas and AlertMedia Offer Emergency Response Solutions

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

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.
PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.
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.