Even an Android Needs Protection

You may not realize it but even mobile phones can become infected with malware. Smart phones run on an actual OS that is very similar to a desktop computer or laptop which makes them vulnerable to the same type of attacks. One such attack is currently happening in China with Android powered phones. There is a sophisticated Trojan that has botnet-like capabilities that is being called "Geinimi".

This Trojan is being grafted into legitimate applications and then distributed in a third-party Chinese app market for Androids. According to the mobile security company Lookout, this trojan has not been found in any applications in the official Google Android Market. Below are some tips from Lookout on how to stay safe.

• Only download applications from trusted sources, such as reputable application markets. Remember to look at the developer name, reviews, and star ratings.
• Always check the permissions an app requests. Use common sense to ensure that the permissions an app requests match the features the app provides.
• Be aware that unusual behavior on your phone could be a sign that your phone is infected. Unusual behaviors include: unknown applications being installed without your knowledge, SMS messages being automatically sent to unknown recipients, or phone calls automatically being placed without you initiating them.
• Download a mobile security app for your phone that scans every app you download. Lookout users automatically receive protection against this Trojan.

Change Your Internet Account Passwords

Lets be honest, no one uses "strong" passwords on personal Internet based resources. Following some basic rules to creating strong passwords can help keep your accounts safe. A recent post at Slashdot.org states that 26% of users use the same password for multiple important web based resources. Recently Gawker based websites were hacked by the Anonymous group associated with 4chan. If you had an account with Lifehacker or Gizmodo and used the same password for your email or banking site, then you may have a big problem.

Here are some simple guidelines for creating a strong password:

1. Use 8 characters with one capital, at least one number, and one special character. IE: Netw0rk!
2. Do not include personal information such as a name or address.
3. Do not use the same password on multiple resources such as email, social network, or bank website.
4. Try not to use the same password or variants when resetting the password on a web resource
5. If you have any suspicious activity on a resource be safe and change the password quickly. Also, if you share that password with other web based resources like mentioned above change them as well.