Android owners–be afraid. A new botnet-lke bit of malware for Google’s open mobile OS has been discovered in China–and it ain’t pretty. The Trojan, named “Geinimi,” has been called “the most sophisticated Android malware we’ve seen to date” by security firm Lookup.
According to the firm, Geinimi can “receive commands from a remote server that allow the owner of that server to control the phone.” The malicious little bit of software sneaks onto phones by being “grafted” on to games and other non-malicious mobile apps.
“The affected applications request extensive permissions over and above the set that is requested by their legitimate original versions,” says Lookup. “Though the intent of this Trojan isn’t entirely clear, the possibilities for intent range from a malicious ad-network to an attempt to create an Android botnet.”
Lookup recommends that users download from trusted app stores, check permission requests on apps, monitor suspicious activity on their handsets, and download a mobile security app to help avoid the wrath of Geinimi.
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