Hacked Android App Makes Crooks Cash With Silent Texts

A hacked version of the novelty Android app 'Steamy Windows' is making the rounds on third-party app markets and sites that peddle pirated software. Chinese hackers pulled the official version of the app from the Android Market, and then contaminated the code with a trojan that allows the hackers to install other software, change a phone's bookmarks, open websites and silently send text messages. The hackers are using the app to quietly send texts to premium services that charge additional rates on top of standard text message fees. The hackers then receive a commission for each message sent. The trojan can even monitor incoming text messages, identifify them, and block any messages from a user's carrier alerting them to the charges on their bill.

Avoiding the infection is simple enough; only install apps from the official Android Market. While one of Android's most attractive features is the ability to "side load" apps from third-party sources, you should only do this from sources you trust 100-percent. If you're unsure, don't risk it. The uninfected, original 'Steamy Windows' is still availble in the Android Market for free -- just in case you feel the sudden urge to wipe virtual fog off your smartphone screen.

Hacked Android App Makes Crooks Cash With Silent Texts originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.switched.com/2011/03/02/steamy-windows-android-app-swipes-cash-for-crooks/

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