More Android woes

Glenn · Nov 11, 2010, 09:24:43

QuoteResearchers have disclosed bugs in Google's Android mobile operating system that allow attackers to surreptitiously install malware on users' handsets.

The most serious of the two flaws was poignantly demonstrated on Wednesday in a proof-of-concept app that was available in the Google-sanctioned Market. Disguised as an expansion for the popular game Angry Birds, it silently installs three additional apps that without warning have access to a phone's contacts, location information and SMS functionality and can transmit their data to a remote server.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/10/android_malware_attacks/

pctech · Nov 11, 2010, 09:53:26

Yep an OS conceived with the idea of spreading Google's ad empire to mobiles.

Simon · Nov 11, 2010, 10:03:00

Is there a phone platform that doesn't have issues at the moment? My iPhone misses calls, and now it can't tell the time! I do think Android need to tighten up on the apps, though.

Rik · Nov 11, 2010, 10:26:31

BT's?

pctech · Nov 11, 2010, 10:28:34

Well I won't be repeating an upgrade to a Nokia again, phone is working ok now but I did wonder whether it had turned it into a paperweight.

Rik · Nov 11, 2010, 10:32:39

They always come in handy, Mitch.

pctech · Nov 11, 2010, 10:35:39

They do but not great for making a personal call at work.

Rik · Nov 11, 2010, 10:36:06

Gary · Nov 11, 2010, 10:36:52

Quote from: Simon on Nov 11, 2010, 10:03:00
Is there a phone platform that doesn't have issues at the moment? My iPhone misses calls, and now it can't tell the time! I do think Android need to tighten up on the apps, though.

Mine does not miss calls Simon, and the time is spot on, I wonder if your jailbreaking has done something, only the alarm is affected by the time bug, not the actual time itself

Simon · Nov 11, 2010, 13:16:26

See other thread, Gary. It wasn't just me.

Gary · Nov 12, 2010, 01:53:52

Quote from: Simon on Nov 11, 2010, 13:16:26
See other thread, Gary. It wasn't just me.

Well I looked Simon but I have had no issues and nor have the others I know that have iPhones

my time is perfectly spot on. I honestly think something is amiss with the install maybe, normally you can just reset it in iTunes but as yours is jail broken that's a bit of a pain

Simon · Nov 12, 2010, 12:06:24

Well, as per the other thread, it seems OK now. Have to say, it still seems light here, for ten past nine in the evening.

Gary · Nov 12, 2010, 12:14:10

Quote from: Simon on Nov 12, 2010, 12:06:24
Well, as per the other thread, it seems OK now. Have to say, it still seems light here, for ten past nine in the evening.

vitriol · Nov 12, 2010, 17:09:51

I love my android phone, there's so much I can do with it. I think that with any pieces of software, regardless of platform, you should always exercise a little bit of caution. just be sensible and you'll be fine.

Glenn · Nov 24, 2010, 12:20:12

Another big hole has been found http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/24/android_data_pickpocket_risk/

Gary · Nov 24, 2010, 12:23:06

Quote from: vitriol on Nov 12, 2010, 17:09:51
I love my android phone, there's so much I can do with it. I think that with any pieces of software, regardless of platform, you should always exercise a little bit of caution. just be sensible and you'll be fine.

Its hard to be sensible when you don't know you had the holes, Apple patched almost 80 vulnerabilities with iOS 4 this week. Android and iOS are great targets as so many people use them, but no way would I use my phone a credit/bank card its just not that safe, and that idea seems to be spreading as a method of payment in shops now.