Android Smartphones House Pre-installed Spyware

Android Smartphones House Pre-installed Spyware

Android Smartphones House Pre-installed SpywareGerman 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

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.