Holiday Gift Guide »

New Android virus “MSO.PJApps” caught in China

Categories: Android, Security
By: , IntoMobile
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 at 3:21 AM

Security experts NetQin Mobile identified a new virus on Android devices named “MSO.PJApps,” which causes leakage of private data and subscribes to fee-charging services without user’s awareness.

The virus was repackaged into the popular mobile applications from a well-known app download site in China. Once installed on a mobile phone, it surreptitiously connects to certain sites and sends text messages containing the mobile device’s IMEI number and other data to designated numbers controlled by a remote server. Additionally, the virus receives commands from the remote server to download and install software without user’s awareness. All these actions may lead to unintended service subscription charges and expose users to other mobile security threats.

NetQin updated its mobile security solution within 12 hours of identifying suspicious behavior from the Android virus and updated its virus database to ensure that users get timely protection.

At the end of the press release, NetQin shares some common sense advice, suggesting users to download apps only from trusted sources and never blindly accept application requests.

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

  • http://twitter.com/ihbrune Henning

    Well, this is not a ‘virus’ as this term is used in general. This is a malicious software and the user has to give it the explicit permission to send short messages. Or is there any sign the android security is broken?

    • http://www.facebook.com/dusan.belic Dusan Belic

      I guess you’re right. It still replicates itself and causes a damage to the phone owner…

  • Anonymous

    Oh God another Virus for Open Source… :(

  • http://service-komputer-laptop.blogspot.com Android

    now google has cleaning their application market from virus and malware, thanks google .