There are many malwares running rampant on the internet and any user who is unaware of it is vulnerable to the attack. Moreover, with changing technology, the malware too is evolving and the means of infecting the system too is changing fast. At this time, it becomes essential to know more about the prevalent malware threats and scares as these are harmful and damaging to the system. Recently there has been news about Battery Saver App for Android. Most of the users who are unknowingly looking for the latest updates on Android may have fallen to this latest online gimmick. At one glance, it may seem that free software is provided online for enhancing battery life but the truth is regardless of what seems to be. Let us find out what is the truth behind this.
Knowing that the Android has a vulnerable spot when it comes to battery life the designers of malicious programs targeted this area. An application that seems to enhance the battery life of the device was created to lure the users of Android. The cybercriminals in fact designed the app that in turn adversely affects the battery life of the device and reduces it.
The havoc it wreaks
The battery saver app for Android is in fact a malware. This is potentially harmful to the user who downloads it on the device thinking that this will help enhance the battery life. Once a user downloads it, it wreaks the following havoc:
• Reduces the battery life
• Steals contacts from the phone book
• Steals e-mail ids
• Steals data stored on the phone including pictures and other such files
• Transmits the information to the cybercriminals
Symantec initially discovered this battery saving malware and then the threat was made public to stop people from believing on the hoax app.
About the malware
This malware is freely available online by the name of Android.Ackposts. It is in fact a Trojan horse that is designed for Android devices. Once a user downloads this app in the device, the Trojan enters and starts steeling all the available data. It immediately transmits it to the location determined by the cybercriminal. This information is then used for carrying on illegitimate activities. This Trojan is loaded on the phone by the name of BatteryLong.apk that comes attached to the so-called battery life saving software.
Commonly the means of propagation of a malware is through third-party apps available on numerous stores that are not officially associated with the OEM in any way. The other means is that of getting hold of a store most probably like Google Play store where the user will trust the source and download the app. Unbeknown to the user this app then enters the device carrying a Trojan and starts wreaking havoc. Apart from the above said modes, this app uses another mode. This app is said to be promoted by a Japanese e-mail that is a spam, it has a downloadable link attached along the message for installing the malware on the device. The message claims that the app is helpful in reducing the battery consumption in turn increasing eh battery life but nothing of the sort happens.
How it works?
As soon as the user downloads the app on the device, it seeks the permission of user for the following:
• Installing Network Communication: This enables its access to internet and uploads the personal data of the user
• Access Personal Information: This is done to steal the user information and the contacts stored on the device
The user is greeted by a start up screen for set up purpose; it appears for a few seconds.
The user gets a message that says something like:
Your device does not support the app
This is just a sham message, when actually the app has already entered the device and started stealing the data.
Keeping all the above in mind one must stay alert as to the hoaxes related to saving battery power, increasing internet speed and even enhancing the PC performance by installing an app. Although, there are some software available for the purpose but these are provided either by genuine source or by well-known experts in the field of technology. Therefore, without finding an authentic source or actually conducting research on the given app or software it is advisable not to install it either on the system or a device.
Knowing that the Android has a vulnerable spot when it comes to battery life the designers of malicious programs targeted this area. An application that seems to enhance the battery life of the device was created to lure the users of Android. The cybercriminals in fact designed the app that in turn adversely affects the battery life of the device and reduces it.
The havoc it wreaks
The battery saver app for Android is in fact a malware. This is potentially harmful to the user who downloads it on the device thinking that this will help enhance the battery life. Once a user downloads it, it wreaks the following havoc:
• Reduces the battery life
• Steals contacts from the phone book
• Steals e-mail ids
• Steals data stored on the phone including pictures and other such files
• Transmits the information to the cybercriminals
Symantec initially discovered this battery saving malware and then the threat was made public to stop people from believing on the hoax app.
About the malware
This malware is freely available online by the name of Android.Ackposts. It is in fact a Trojan horse that is designed for Android devices. Once a user downloads this app in the device, the Trojan enters and starts steeling all the available data. It immediately transmits it to the location determined by the cybercriminal. This information is then used for carrying on illegitimate activities. This Trojan is loaded on the phone by the name of BatteryLong.apk that comes attached to the so-called battery life saving software.
Commonly the means of propagation of a malware is through third-party apps available on numerous stores that are not officially associated with the OEM in any way. The other means is that of getting hold of a store most probably like Google Play store where the user will trust the source and download the app. Unbeknown to the user this app then enters the device carrying a Trojan and starts wreaking havoc. Apart from the above said modes, this app uses another mode. This app is said to be promoted by a Japanese e-mail that is a spam, it has a downloadable link attached along the message for installing the malware on the device. The message claims that the app is helpful in reducing the battery consumption in turn increasing eh battery life but nothing of the sort happens.
How it works?
As soon as the user downloads the app on the device, it seeks the permission of user for the following:
• Installing Network Communication: This enables its access to internet and uploads the personal data of the user
• Access Personal Information: This is done to steal the user information and the contacts stored on the device
The user is greeted by a start up screen for set up purpose; it appears for a few seconds.
The user gets a message that says something like:
Your device does not support the app
This is just a sham message, when actually the app has already entered the device and started stealing the data.
Keeping all the above in mind one must stay alert as to the hoaxes related to saving battery power, increasing internet speed and even enhancing the PC performance by installing an app. Although, there are some software available for the purpose but these are provided either by genuine source or by well-known experts in the field of technology. Therefore, without finding an authentic source or actually conducting research on the given app or software it is advisable not to install it either on the system or a device.
Marigold Henry Montana is a technical expert who deals with various computer related issues. She is capable of handling the software as well as hardware troubleshooting. She advises people on basic upkeep and maintenance of their PC, Laptops, Notebooks and Tablets. She is working as a freelance technology writer and as fulltime online tech support for a well known IT software company. Her aim is to spread the technical know-how to the people all around the globe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marigold_Henry_Montana 
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