Android users, please exercise extreme caution! According to both Rovio and SOPHOS, a Trojan Horse virus has been released on unofficial Android app stores. The Trojan has been disguised in Angry Birds Space, the newest installment in the Angry Birds franchise. According to SOPHOS, this virus will gain root access and push further malware onto the affected device, essentially rendering it under the control of evil malware producers.
Let us emphasize two things. Foremost, the official versions from the Android Market (Google Play) and the Amazon Appstore are 100% clean. Also, this is a good example of why all users — Android and otherwise — should be very careful when downloading any apps onto their devices, especially when using unofficial app stores. Just because the logo and publisher match, that doesn’t mean that the app is legit. Pay attention to the little things, such as app details, descriptions, and user reviews. Or, when all else fails, use the direct links that Rovio provides on their site. So long as there are people who get a thrill out of infecting computers and smartphones of strangers, smart users should be on-guard against them.
Happy (and safe) gaming to all!
