SMS Trojan Attacks Android Phones

First sms trojan called SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a has attacked the Google Android phones . It has already infected a number of mobile devices, according to security firm Kaspersky Lab. once installed,this Trojan sends out SMS text messages without the users' knowledge or consent.
 The Trojan penetrates Android-based smartphones disguised as an ordinary application, says Kaspersky. Users are prompted to install a small file of around 13 KB that has the standard Android extension .APK. But once the "app" is installed on the device, the Trojan bundled with it begins texting premium rate phone numbers (those that charge). The criminals are actually the ones operating these numbers, so they end up collecting the money via charges to the victims' accounts.



According to a statement from Google, the application installation process is designed to protect users from attacks like these since it details what information and system resources the app has permission to access - such as sending an SMS. "Users must explicitly approve this access in order to continue with the installation," the statement reads. "We consistently advise users to only install apps they trust. In particular, users should exercise caution when installing applications outside of Android Market."