And now, Malware hits Google's Android platform

Google is reported to have removed 21 applications from its Android marketplace after security experts warned of thousands of smartphones using the Android software being infected with malicious software.

These smartphone users have downloaded applications that are capable of taking over their phones with malicious software designed to steal data or send expensive messages, security experts have warned.

Alerted about the problem by amateur and professional researchers, Google is reported to have used a kill switch to remove 21 malware-infected apps from both its Android Market and from users' Android devices.

Android Police, an enthusiast site, yesterday said the apps affected by Trojan, the "mother of all Android malware," was discovered by a Reddit user.

A Trojan, called DroidDream, which uses a root exploit dubbed "rageagainstthecage" was used to compromise a device using pirated versions of legitimate apps, it said.

The apps worked like legitimate programs and had been given names such as Chess, Bowling Time and Super Guitar Solo. However, they allowed developers to exploit a security flaw in most Android versions.