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

Yesterday, 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 fromwe20090202, 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

Source: Business Insider