How Your PC Effects Your Android Device

I've been asked a few times in casual conversation if ones phone can be infected. The short answer is "yes", but it's not too common. But now a new (and rather late, in my opinion) vulnerability to your phone exists; Your computer. We all know that a PC can become infected and how that can result in anything from identity theft to being just plain annoying, but now the vulnerability of your PC can have a direct impact on the vulnerability of your Android Smart Phone.

The Windows Trojan "Droidpak" is designed (like most Trojans) to download itself and desgiese itself as a critical system service. Once installed, the Torjan contacts a remote server which then downloads a configuration file in order to download the malware under the guise of the "Google App Store." The malware, Android.Fakebank.B, is actually a malicious replica of a Korean online banking application. If a legitimate banking app is detected on the Android device, it is  replaced with a fake one in order to obtain user credentials and thus full access to your bank account. The malware is also capable of intercepting SMS messages and sending them to cybercriminals.

Now that we are aware of the program and how it works, most reliable Internet Security Solutions, such as ESET Smart Security 7, can now protect you against this infection. This is another prime example of why 1. a good Internet Security Solution is critical to any user, and 2. why it is critical to keep said Internet Security Solution updated. One should also be aware that there are Internet Security Apps available for the Droid. One such app is LookOut Mobile Security. 

If you are unsure if your computer is running the current most reliable Internet Security Solution, or your computer is running slow and you are suspicious of infection, spyware, or malware - give us a call at 617-396-7044 or check us out on the web at www.MooreITHelp.com