We have an interesting little "soap opera" drama potentially brewing between a couple of software makers in the Android world. Apparently, the software giant, Symantec (makers of Norton Antivirus) have started spreading the word on the largest spread of malware infections they have ever found on Android. This infection supposedly up to 5 Million users. Interestingly, in the same breath that they claim that this malware affects millions of users, they also say that the threat level is "very low". They are claiming that the software, called Android.Counterclank is a Trojan horse that steals information. Supposedly the malicious code is grafted in a package called com.apperhand, and that it comes in several games, including the ones listed below:
Supposedly, this software can do the following:
- Copy bookmarks on the device
- Copy opt out details
- Copy push notifications
- Copy shortcuts
- Identify the last executed command
- Modify the browser’s home page
- Steal build information (for example: brand, device, manufacturer, model, OS, etc.)
It's interesting to see two anti-malware companies in conflict with one another, and it is more interesting to note that one of them is actually not taking the easy road by jumping on the bandwagon of creating a scare-tactic. Most savvy Android users know that most malware threats in Android tend to be overblown by the companies that sell anti-malware products. That's not to say that malware should be ignored or isn't a problem, but every report that comes out seems to act like the sky is falling. What is your perspective on this interesting little spat.
Source: Technoblog - MSNBC/MSN and TalkAndroid
