A powerful spam-sending application is attacking the most common smartphone operating system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore you click on a link that is texted to you, understand it\u2019s probably going to cost you,\u201d says Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna in a Dec. 21 media release. \u201cThat text that appears to come from a reputable retailer is usually a trick to take your money, install a virus, or both.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As reported by The Next Web, SpamSoldier \u201cspreads through SMS messages that advertise free versions of popular paid games like Angry Birds Space.\u201d It is also found on disreputable, third party app stores. Once it\u2019s infiltrated an Android handset, it uses the subscriber\u2019s allotment of text messages to put its tentacles on more targets.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Next Web says SpamSoldier\u2019s texts include messages telling consumers they\u2019ve won a $1,000 Target gift card or provide an opportunity to download free games such as Grand Theft Auto 3. Someone who clicks on the link might actually receive a free game. But they will also install an application that in coordination with a kind of mother ship \u2014 a server somewhere in cyberspace \u2014 seeks to reproduce itself.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Detecting the SpamSoldier can be difficult because the app is programmed to intercept responses to its texts before consumers see them. Still, those who pay by the text or have a limited number per month will eventually notice the activity.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In order to avoid SpamSoldier and other malicious apps:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Only download apps from reputable vendors such as the app store pre-installed on your phone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Do not download apps from a vendor who sends you a text.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t fall for texts saying you\u2019ve won something.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Regularly check your bill with an eye for texts you do not remember sending or for charges you did not authorize.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n