Google nukes malware using remote application
07 Mar 2011
Google has removed several malicious applications from the handsets of its Android Market users, following a series of attacks on the devices.
The internet major used its remote application removal feature to delete the 50-odd applications from the users' phones.
This is the second time in the Android operating system's history that Google had to delete such applications from devices.
The latest attacks, dubbed 'Droid Dream,' gathered information about the devices and the Android version running on the handsets.
''Within minutes of becoming aware, we identified and removed the malicious applications,'' notes Rich Cannings, Android Security Lead. ''The applications took advantage of known vulnerabilities which don't affect Android versions 2.2.2 or higher.''
According to Cannings, given the nature of the exploits, the attackers could access other data, which is why Google took a number of steps to protect those who downloaded the malicious application.
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