By now most everyone knows that Google has addressed the Droid Dream malware mess in the Android Market, used the kill switch and issued a fix, and is in process of rolling out said fix to all affected users. But since Android users in general are an impatient lot, some folks have been on the lookout for the files to manually install the fix instead of waiting.
Don't do it.
The folks at F-Secure have found that at least one of the so-called security patch files floating around is really just another trojan. This is social engineering at it's finest -- use the promise of security to really make things worse. You can read the gory details of the BgServ.A trojan found in the fake patch at the source link, but the important thing is that you need to wait for Google to push you the fix if you downloaded one of the infected files. Like every other patch for the OS, whether it's an updated version of Android or something less glamorous like a security fix, only install files from Google's servers.
If you were affected by the malware, you should have received an email from big G, or will soon. We have the full text of that message after the break, be sure to check that the sender is really Google, and sit tight. They will get you all patched up. [F-Secure (opens in new tab)] Thanks Mike and Steven!
You are receiving this message to inform you of a critical issue affectingyour Android Market account.Hello,We recently discovered applications on Android Market that were designed toharm devices. These malicious applications ("malware") have been removed fromAndroid Market, and the corresponding developer accounts have been closed.According to our records, you have downloaded one or more of theseapplications. This malware was designed to allow an unauthorized third-partyto access your device without your knowledge. As far as we can determine, theonly information obtained was device-specific (IMEI/IMSI, unique codes whichare used to identify mobile devices, and the version of Android running onyour device).However, this malware could leave your device and personal information atrisk, so we are pushing an Android Market security update to your device toremove this malware. You will soon be receiving a notification on your devicethat says "Android Market Security Tool March 2011" has been installed. Youare not required to take any action from there, the update will automaticallyrun. You may also receive notification(s) on your device that an applicationhas been removed. Within 24 hours of receiving the update, you will receive asecond email confirming its success.To ensure this update is run quickly, please make sure that your device isturned on and has a strong network connection.For more details, please visit the Android Market Help Center athttp://market.android.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=1207928Regards,The Android Market Team©2011 Google, Inc.1600 Amphitheatre ParkwayMountain View, CA 94043Email preferences: You are receiving this email to notify you of a criticalissue affecting your Android Market account.
