Tips to protect your smartphone from malware

At least 100,000 mobile phone users in China have been affected by a type of malicious software that began attacking Android-running smartphones on Friday (August 1, 2014).

The malware can access the contacts list on an infected smartphone, and automatically send to all contacts a text message containing a link to an Android application package file called xxshenqi.apk. An Android-based smartphone will be infected if its user clicks the link.

The malware's writer, a 19-year-old software engineering freshman, was detained one day after he began distributing the malware. He told the police that originally he only wanted to show off his skills, and didn't expect the malware to spread out of control.

Mobile network operator China Mobile says users of infected smartphones are able to remove the malware by selecting "xxshenqi" and "com.android.Trogoogle" in Application Manager and then clicking "Uninstall".

Tips to Keep Your Phone Away from Malware

As the number of mobile phone users is on the rise, so is malware. Hackers can use malware to gain access to private data on smartphones - photos, bank account information, SMS content, etc. Malware like xxshenqi automatically sends text messages and generates cost without users' awareness.

Here are some tips to protect your phone from malware:

1. Be cautious before clicking any links sent to you, even links from your friends. In the above case, the malware sent a link that ends with ".apk". This is an apparent sign of inviting people to install an app, as an .apk file is like an .exe file on a PC computer - it installs application software to Android phones. You are suggested to ask your friend about the link before clicking it.

2. Only download apps from trusted sources.

3. Some hackers use drive-by downloads to implant malware to smartphones. Whenever you are visiting a Webpage that persuades you to install an unknown app, think twice before clicking "Install".

4. Install mobile security apps. Such anti-malware apps are available for both Android and iOS.

5. Keep your phone's operating system up to date.