Android

A Trojan horse began appearing on phones running Google’s Android software in Russia. The malware was detected by security firm Kaspersky, who reported the file is named “Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a” and is downloaded as a .APK Android app. This is the first known Android specific trojan.

Once the file is installed the Trojan horse begins sending text messages to premium-rate phone numbers “without the owner’s knowledge or consent, resulting in money passing from a user’s account to that of the cyber criminals.”

“We consistently advise users to only install apps they trust,” said Jay Nancarrow, a Google spokesman,. “In particular, users should exercise caution when installing applications outside of Android Market.”