A trojan horse is any method or trick that makes you invite over unwanted trouble inside the walls of your (well, phone in this case) belonging. In today's age, we refer to it as Malware or Malicious Software. Malware is a general term that includes a broad spectrum including and not limited to viruses, trojan horses, spyware, adware etc. That brings us to Trojan Horses on Android.
Android Trojans
App Stores validate new apps submitted to them without really doing a complete validation on what all the app really does. This is the case for Google's Play Store. Apps simply go through an approval process that is devoid of any sort of code reviewing. Google does however routinely run scans for malicious code in software, while updating their scan database. However, despite all measures some new code might slip through. Since we simply go to the App Store and download/install new apps, we might end up being on the receiving end of such software.
Google has since added Malware Scanning to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. This will verify your apps to check for any suspicious or harmful behavior.
Known Android Trojans
DroidDream - An app on the Google Play Store that collected sensitive information related to your cellular connection. With this info, they could potentially clone your SIM and read your messages.
GGTracker - Milks money from your cellular account by enabling premium services via SMS.
The list goes on...
Simple Steps to Protect your Phone
You can follow these simple steps and be more cautious while installing an app.
Read Permissions - Whenever you install a new app, it is always wise to check on all the Permissions it's asking for. Try to determine if an app would require such permissions. For example, a simple clock widget shouldn't take permission to access your Gallery (this is just an example).
Read Reviews - It is always advisable to read the reviews for an app. Do not simply neglect the 1 star rated reviews as some of them might be genuine (and not due to user satisfaction or something like device compatibility). Reading reviews hardly takes time and could save you from a potentially disastrous app.
Avoid "Free Free" Apps - If there's an app that promises to provide free calling or texting or free internet access, chances are it's a fake. Remember, if an app and it's promises seem too good to be true, it probably is!
Android Security Apps
The Android marketplace offers many virus scanners and security apps. While effective, you don't really need them if you aren't cautious in the first place. But for those who want to install a security app, here are some of the best ones:
1. Avast! Mobile Security
Avast! is a completely free security suite with a 98% detection rate.
2. TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security
With a 100% detection rate, TrustGo is a really good mobile security app for free.
3. Webroot Security
4. ESET Mobile Security
ESET offers very powerful anti-theft features over and above the Anti-Malware scanner as well as SMS/MMS and Call Blocker features. The product is a 30 day trial.
5. Lookout Security & Antivirus
The highest rated and most popular Security App on Play Store, Lookout has catered to more than 30 million users and received great reviews from the press:
What makes it better is that the APP is completely FREE to use and is regularly updated (last update on 9th April, 2013).
Do you use a Security App?
Posting this question to all readers, have you ever fallen trap to Malware? Have you been the victim of such an app? And most importantly, do you use a Security App on your Android device? Leave a comment below to let us know your experience/opinions.
Android Trojans
App Stores validate new apps submitted to them without really doing a complete validation on what all the app really does. This is the case for Google's Play Store. Apps simply go through an approval process that is devoid of any sort of code reviewing. Google does however routinely run scans for malicious code in software, while updating their scan database. However, despite all measures some new code might slip through. Since we simply go to the App Store and download/install new apps, we might end up being on the receiving end of such software.
Google has since added Malware Scanning to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. This will verify your apps to check for any suspicious or harmful behavior.
Known Android Trojans
DroidDream - An app on the Google Play Store that collected sensitive information related to your cellular connection. With this info, they could potentially clone your SIM and read your messages.
GGTracker - Milks money from your cellular account by enabling premium services via SMS.
The list goes on...
Simple Steps to Protect your Phone
You can follow these simple steps and be more cautious while installing an app.
Read Permissions - Whenever you install a new app, it is always wise to check on all the Permissions it's asking for. Try to determine if an app would require such permissions. For example, a simple clock widget shouldn't take permission to access your Gallery (this is just an example).
Read Reviews - It is always advisable to read the reviews for an app. Do not simply neglect the 1 star rated reviews as some of them might be genuine (and not due to user satisfaction or something like device compatibility). Reading reviews hardly takes time and could save you from a potentially disastrous app.
Avoid "Free Free" Apps - If there's an app that promises to provide free calling or texting or free internet access, chances are it's a fake. Remember, if an app and it's promises seem too good to be true, it probably is!
Android Security Apps
The Android marketplace offers many virus scanners and security apps. While effective, you don't really need them if you aren't cautious in the first place. But for those who want to install a security app, here are some of the best ones:
1. Avast! Mobile Security
Avast! is a completely free security suite with a 98% detection rate.
2. TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security
With a 100% detection rate, TrustGo is a really good mobile security app for free.
3. Webroot Security
THE BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR ANDROID:
• Automatically scans your apps and files for viruses, spyware, Trojans
• Antivirus security shields block malware before it has a chance to install
• Alerts you when your device and settings are vulnerable to attack
SECURE WEB BROWSING:
• Automatically scans web links and URLs to block phishing and other harmful content
LOST DEVICE PROTECTION:
• Remote Access – Use your Mobile Security Website or another mobile device to remotely lock, wipe, or locate your device
• Device Lock – Remotely locks your device if it’s lost or stolen*
• Device Wipe – Remotely wipes your contacts, text messages, other personal information* (Premier Feature)
• Device Scream – Sounds an alert to help you locate your device nearby
• Device Locate – See your device’s location on a map*
• SIM Card Lock – Automatically locks device when your SIM card is removed* (Premier Feature)
• Automatically scans your apps and files for viruses, spyware, Trojans
• Antivirus security shields block malware before it has a chance to install
• Alerts you when your device and settings are vulnerable to attack
SECURE WEB BROWSING:
• Automatically scans web links and URLs to block phishing and other harmful content
LOST DEVICE PROTECTION:
• Remote Access – Use your Mobile Security Website or another mobile device to remotely lock, wipe, or locate your device
• Device Lock – Remotely locks your device if it’s lost or stolen*
• Device Wipe – Remotely wipes your contacts, text messages, other personal information* (Premier Feature)
• Device Scream – Sounds an alert to help you locate your device nearby
• Device Locate – See your device’s location on a map*
• SIM Card Lock – Automatically locks device when your SIM card is removed* (Premier Feature)
4. ESET Mobile Security
ESET offers very powerful anti-theft features over and above the Anti-Malware scanner as well as SMS/MMS and Call Blocker features. The product is a 30 day trial.
5. Lookout Security & Antivirus
The highest rated and most popular Security App on Play Store, Lookout has catered to more than 30 million users and received great reviews from the press:
★ PC Mag Editor’s Choice “Excellent antivirus protection”
★ TechCrunch “Top 10 Best Free Apps”
★ PCWorld “5 out of 5 stars!”
★ TechCrunch “Top 10 Best Free Apps”
★ PCWorld “5 out of 5 stars!”
What makes it better is that the APP is completely FREE to use and is regularly updated (last update on 9th April, 2013).
Do you use a Security App?
Posting this question to all readers, have you ever fallen trap to Malware? Have you been the victim of such an app? And most importantly, do you use a Security App on your Android device? Leave a comment below to let us know your experience/opinions.
Buying a new phone? Or a tablet? Need help with something everyday-tech related? Ask me and I'm sure to help!
— Preetam Nath (@hipreetam93) April 18, 2013
— Preetam Nath (@hipreetam93) April 18, 2013