Posts tagged malware

Google is slowly but surely killing malware. Photo: Google

Google is slowly but surely killing malware. Photo: Google

When malware rears its ugly head on Android, it gives the platform a bad image, so Google is trying its hardest to stamp it out.

In its Android Security 2015 Annual Report, the company reveals that it now scans more than 6 billion installed apps across 400 million devices every single day for malware.

Don't tap untrusted links in SMS messages. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Don’t tap untrusted links in SMS messages. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

A new Android malware dubbed “Mazar,” which is being spread by SMS, is capable of wiping all of your personal data, making calls, and reading your text messages.

Detected by a Danish security firm, the malware is thought to have been distributed to more than 100,000 phones in Denmark alone so far.

Cake Tower looks cute, but it's evil.

Cake Tower looks cute, but it’s evil.

Google has pulled 13 apps from the Play Store for secretly downloading malware onto users’ devices. At least one title had more than 1 million downloads before it was removed, and all had glowing reviews and great ratings. But they weren’t genuine.

Beware dodgy porn apps for Android. Photo: Cult of Android

Beware dodgy porn apps for Android. Photo: Cult of Android

An Android app that promises free porn has been secretly snapping photos of its users as they enjoy its content. “Adult Player” then locks up the victim’s device and uses their photo in a ransom note demanding $500.

Not all Mario is good. Screenshot: Nintendo

Not all Mario is good. Screenshot: Nintendo

One of the biggest reasons to choose Android over other platforms is the ability to play classic console games with the help of an emulator. But you should be careful when searching for your next one, because there’s new Android malware out there that disguises itself as retro Nintendo games.

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