Database Info

How To Keep Your Android Phone From Being Hacked By Malicious Apps

Steve Kovach | Mar. 3, 2011, 10:11 AM
Yesterday we told you about the 21 malicious apps Google yanked from the Android Market.
Now at least 30 more have been discovered and removed. These apps are designed to gain root access to your phone and steal information such as your carrier ID. It also opens up your phone to even more malicious code.
Many of the apps have seemingly innocuous names like "Scientific Calculator" or raunchy ones like "Super Sex Positions." If you're ever in doubt about an app, err on the side of caution and don't download it.
One of our commenters pointed out a free Android app called Lookout that will scan anything you download to your phone for malware. We've used Lookout before, but haven't found a need for it until now.
Download it for free in the Android Market and allow it to run in the background. Lookout will notify you if it finds a virus or malware on your phone.
So far, it looks like three developers are responsible for the malicious apps. If you see an app from we20090202, Kingmall2010, or Myournet do not download it.
Here's the list of the malicious apps from Lookout's blog that have been identified so far:
* Falling Down
* Super Guitar Solo
* Super History Eraser
* Photo Editor
* Super Ringtone Maker
* Super Sex Positions
* Hot Sexy Videos
* Chess
* 下坠滚球_Falldown
* Hilton Sex Sound
* Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls
* Falling Ball Dodge
* Scientific Calculator
* Dice Roller
* 躲避弹球
* Advanced Currency Converter
* App Uninstaller
* 几何战机_PewPew
* Funny Paint
* Spider Man
* 蜘蛛侠
* Bowling Time
* Advanced Barcode Scanner
* Supre Bluetooth Transfer
* Task Killer Pro
* Music Box
* Sexy Girls: Japanese
* Sexy Legs
* Advanced File Manager
* Magic Strobe Light
* 致命绝色美腿
* 墨水坦克Panzer Panic
* 裸奔先生Mr. Runner
* 软件强力卸载
* Advanced App to SD
* Super Stopwatch & Timer
* Advanced Compass Leveler
* Best password safe
* 掷骰子
* 多彩绘画
* Finger Race
* Piano
* Bubble Shoot
* Advanced Sound Manager
* Magic Hypnotic Spiral
* Funny Face
* Color Blindness Test
* Tie a Tie
* Quick Notes
* Basketball Shot Now
* Quick Delete Contacts
* Omok Five in a Row
* Super Sexy Ringtones
* 大家来找茬
* 桌上曲棍球
* 投篮高手
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-...hone-from-malicious-apps-2011-3#ixzz1FYR1gYHU
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oh man... I thought this might be helpful info for us here. be careful with leaked apps as well. You never know if they've been modified in some way. You could be opening up your phone to an exploit.

Great!
I´ll upload my article regarding this
Will stick for the time being

Is there no checking of apps before being allowed onto the market?

xaccers said:
Is there no checking of apps before being allowed onto the market?
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They moderate similar to a forum, innocent until proven guilty. They wont cut something til the issue is known

is no platform sacred anymore

Just installed Lookup hoping it do the job

orb3000 said:
Just installed Lookup hoping it do the job
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Does anyone know how effective Lookup (or other security apps) actually are?

orb3000 said:
Just installed Lookup hoping it do the job
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So, is Lookout now a needed App ? And do i have to register to run Lookout ?

My market does not work, can anyone please attach the lookout apk here?

Nice and the war begines Virus makers v anti virus
Hi
Thank you for the important info youv shared
my first questions to acctualy start looking for defence against malware
lookup seems good by all the feedback iv got but who is lookup?
why should i trust lookup?
yeh you can call it paranoia but better safe huh.

Not sure about other options, sure there are more around.
I got this as a recommendation and so far it´s doing the job
tomj777 said:
Does anyone know how effective Lookup (or other security apps) actually are?
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Can´t tell if it´s a needed app but it´s better to have it and see if it feeds your needs.
uxu said:
So, is Lookout now a needed App ? And do i have to register to run Lookout ?
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stop downloading apps with boobs and sex in it. lol

z33dev33l said:
They moderate similar to a forum, innocent until proven guilty. They wont cut something til the issue is known
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See, that to me is ridiculous on google's part.
Applications need to be vetted, if that slows down the app population growth then so be it.
I'm pretty sure that the MS Marketplace doesn't just let people upload apps to it as when an excellent train timetable app stopped working and needed an update, MS took ages to allow the update onto the marketplace (I would imagine they were somewhat tied up prepping for the release of WP7 which makes sense).
If an app that runs on our phones is able to detect such malware, then why can't google even impliment an auto scan on uploads to the market?
I've always been cautious of the market as I've suspected that apps aren't vetted, the official sources of apps HAVE to be safe no matter what OS

does anyone know if your gmail password gets stored anywhere in the phone, just alittle curious, cause if they can only get my phone number and email address

Very nice, thanks for the info!!!

Will download and give this a test run. Btw some of those raunchy apps, maybe they shouldn't have dl'd them in the first place. D=

What's lacking in all the commentary is how to check whether your device has indeed been infected.
Now I didn't have the various raunchy/boob/japanese school girl apps installed, but I may have had the scientific calculator installed as well as Advanced Barcode Scanner (I need to check when I get home).
Sod's law says that the one time I boot Android in weeks (device is normally being used for Meego/Ubuntu development) I get a virus.
This article gives some information about what the installer does:
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2011/03/03/droid-dream-android-market-malware-attack-aftermath/
So I guess I should check and see what services are now running, see the names of the app publishers, etc. to determine whether I am indeed infected.

Thank you for share,, I install only market applications, have a lot of apps and i only install applications if are a cracked version of an application available on market

Will antiviruses sold on the market particularly help protect you from malware?
I heard a while back that antiviruses on Android weren't essential...

I believe you guys should give Lookout a bit more credit, too.
Their website offers a great service if you actually sign up and use it.
They have a free "Phone-Finder" service that actually works very well.

[GAME] Finger Shepherd (Android)

Hi all,
I've been developing my game for a couple of years now (you reallly can't underestimate how long these things take when done in your spare time!)
I've finally released it, so would be interested in the feedback of you knowledgeable bunch. The game is called Finger Shepherd and is a sheep herding game with 3D graphics. As you know, there's only so many devices I can test on myself so any bugs / issues / suggestions / feedback would be greatly appreciated.
The package is called "shibby.fingershepherd"; if someone else could post the URL for me I'd be grateful!
Mod Edit: Here you go
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=shibby.fingershepherd
Some screenshots attached.
Thanks for any feedback you can provide!
Lewis (Shibby)

good game it's really fun

Nice work! Love it!
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda premium

This is quite interesting.
And I find that the sheep there are so lovable.:laugh:

Thanks - much appreciated!
I've had a few comments that the difficulty is too high on some of the water levels. The drop-off rate through the online leaderboards seems to support this, so I'm planning to make a few tweaks...

Finger Shepherd Updated
I have now published an update. Any more feedback, please let me know and I'll work to improve the game
Changelog:
Much needed tweaking of difficulty on a number of levels
Lighting bugfix
Tip display bugfix on smaller screens
Performance optimised on certain devices
You can now unlock one of the minigames by sharing on twitter
The new version is displayed as 1.0.2.
I'd appreciate it if any users here would have a go at enabling Gree and logging some scores to the leaderboards - this uses 3rd party code that could do with as much testing as possible ( much like my own code really )

When screen turns off after you win the game goes to pause menu from which you can only restart or go back to game youve already won. Otherwise very nice game

Hi,
Just letting you know that the game has been updated again! Target times have been adjusted again based on user feedback. Also there is a brand new minigame called "The Maze" waiting for you to play :victory:

Very fun and nice idea ! I had my finger on the screen when it first started it took me by surprise
The game runs smooth and very well, I just noticed that you are allowing the user to change some stuff that as developers we use mostly to debug such as the FPS which in my opinion you can make it (even as a setting) disabled and invisible to the user. Much better UX in my opinion
Also, It worked well on a relatively low end device = ), didn't expect that as it is 3D
Again nice game and well done! Left you a comment on GP for support : )

Really nice game. Looks like all your time and effort paid off.

Thanks folks, I'm chuffed you like the game The feedback is useful and I intend to keep up with the updates.
eli.r said:
Also, It worked well on a relatively low end device = ), didn't expect that as it is 3D
...
Again nice game and well done! Left you a comment on GP for support : )
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Thanks for the great review. I started the game (just checked) in April 2011, so it's designed to work on the devices that were popular back then at a minimum.
Xunile said:
Really nice game. Looks like all your time and effort paid off.
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I'm glad you like it! I'm not totally convinced that it's paid off, however It's so difficult to get downloads - very few per day, and it's on its way down the rankings at the moment. Hard to see where new downloads will come from... It's incredibly competitive in the play store nowadays - might be a different story if I had released it 2 years ago.
Sorry, don't mean to sound too depressed about it! It's been a fun experience developing the game and I'm already thinking about the next one

good game it's really fun
but graphics makes my cry

[app] HopHopClock

HopHopClock is a really simple and beautiful countdown timer for families. It shows visually how time passes and motivates kids to beat the timer by providing a reward from successful outcome. With HOPHOPCLOCK you can turn your daily struggles into FUN competition! You can be in time with Kids! To see how this app will make your life easier, click "More"!
HOW CAN THIS APP HELP ME EXACTLY?
The app can be a great help for parents with small children. When you have a tight schedule, this app can save you precious minutes and help you be in time. With this app, you can make your child focus on his/her task and hurry up a little bit, so that the kid will do the given task in time. Great for situations such as
* dressing up,
* finishing breakfast, lunch or dinner,
* brushing teeth, or
* getting to bed.
--> Turn potential struggles into fun competition!
Developer: Iteco Sec Oy

emmarob said:
HopHopClock is a really ...
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link..?

[GAME][4.0+] Epic Escape - Hardcore Jumping Game

Hello Guys,
I would like to present you my very first Android game. In Epic Escape you meet Ernie, an utterly lost robot who´s stuck in an unknown testing facility. Goal of the game is to finish each level in just 20 seconds, found and get battery and surprisingly not die.
EPIC ESCAPE ON GOOGLE PLAY
Hardcore Jumping game + create your own levels and share them with friends!
________Play________
________or Create________
-------------------Get Epic Escape For Free-------------------
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.clumsyob.epicescape
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------​
Features:
- Massive challenges and assured frustration
- An uncanny retro feeling
- 3+ worlds, 99+ levels
- Impressive double jump (right half of display)
- Various unlockable skins
- Statistics, achievements, leaderboards, and automatic cloud saving
- A built-in level editor with a server
- A fair premium/ad policy
Optimized for 4, 7, 10 inch devices (dual core and better strongly recommended)
​

Nice game, I hope it will be a hit

This game is very hard but interesting, please take your time to check out my game called 'Tough Squares'

Thank you for your support.

nice game dude

Pretty hard, but really great game

Hi, could you please make in Piece of Cake 5, the brown one little bit easier? Im stuck :crying:

This game is amating. One of the most difficult game I have ever played. I hope it will become more popular. And more people make more amazing levels.:good:

Looks interensting

Looks hard

Thanks you all for your support, its very important to us.

On top off being a fun cute looking game its great that you can actually make your own levels.
Really great work
Typed on my Xperia Z3 while underwater.

I would like to thank all of you for supporting Epic Escape. We reached more than 200 downloads in a week with 4,8 star rating on Google play.

Nice fist game! Great and challenging platformer! Why is the music off by default? Also, while the sound option is on by default, I heard no sound effects so far

Will try this on my lower end device and report back.
Smooth on my Xperia Z3 though
Typed on my Xperia Z3 while underwater.

Entangled Multiverse said:
Nice fist game! Great and challenging platformer! Why is the music off by default? Also, while the sound option is on by default, I heard no sound effects so far
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We found out during development the music one of most irritating thing after new install, so we decided to turn it off by default, and about sound effects...this could be caused because on low memory we trash sound effects, but to be honest the sound is only on most buttons clicks and on jump...we would gladly add many sound effects but we dont have much time for that right now...mabye in some future update

ClumsyoB said:
We found out during development the music one of most irritating thing after new install, so we decided to turn it off by default, and about sound effects...this could be caused because on low memory we trash sound effects, but to be honest the sound is only on most buttons clicks and on jump...we would gladly add many sound effects but we dont have much time for that right now...mabye in some future update
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Low memory? My mobile has 2GB with 1.4GB free most of the time

Entangled Multiverse said:
Low memory? My mobile has 2GB with 1.4GB free most of the time
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I just looked into our code and onLowMemory will only shut down music...sorry for that, we will try to fix sound effects (in most cases they work)...

ClumsyoB said:
I would like to thank all of you for supporting Epic Escape. We reached more than 200 downloads in a week with 4,8 star rating on Google play.
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Oh, 200 downloads? thats great Keep that number increasing.

Thanks to all of your support, we just reached 500 downloads in less than 3 weeks.

[APP][2.3+] Police Air Horn Sounds

So I took a ride along today with a police officer, a close buddy of mine, and it was an awesome experience. Long story short, there were a couple of instances where he had to use the air horn, and this type of noise is probably one of my favorite noises of all timel. Not to be confused with a whaling siren, this is the horn that emits when a police cruisers honks. I thought to my self, I might as well make an app not only for my self, but to the thousands of other people out there who also love the sound of a good old police air horn. My buddy let me record a couple different air horn sounds and a couple hours later my first app has been published! Technically this is my third app, but my first two were 3D games, so not sure how you guys want to see it
What can this app be used for? You can scare your friends, annoy people, if you have an aux and some sub woofers and you see your friend driving by you can always scare him! You can also just play around with over two dozen different combinations of sounds.
App features:
- DOZENS of air horn variations!
- Fun, simple, and easy to use menu that gets straight to the point.
- Full fledged support and consistent updates. We will continue to add more sounds and options for FREE!
- NO IN APP PURCHASES!!
- Blue/Red theme.
- Small file size.
- Fantastic sounds
**Oustanding issues:
- Currently, some of the sounds have slightly noticeable background noises, but this is really only noticeable if it is on max volume. I will continue to work on improving the sound.
- Not really an issue, but I definitely want to keep adding more noises!
Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Sempiternal.Hornz&hl=en
Like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sempiternal-Studios/247438805379844?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SempiternalStud
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sempiternalstudios