New malware for Android phones

The security company Symantec discovered malware programs that mutate every time they are downloaded.

The malware executes a technique called “server-side polymorphism”, in which the program adjusts its program code with each new download in order to get past malware scanning programs like the ones Symantec creates. This is not a new technique in the world of desktop computers, but it is a new danger that Android users have not yet encountered. So far, Symantec has found several variants of a Trojan program it notes as being called “Android.Opfake”, and all of them have originated from Russian websites. Downloading the program inadvertently can immediately infect other Android users, however, as the malware sends out SMS (Short Message Service) messages to other users from several European countries. However, because of the way Google has its market set up, malware like Android.Opfake cannot come to Android Market. Android.Opfake itself is not particularly complex, but it is hard to detect. This malware is a good example of why smartphone users need to start thinking about the things they download and include security software on their smartphones. Original news was published at Yahoo! News web site.