Android botnet turns infected handsets into SMS spam generators

By Shawn Knight

On December 20, 2012, 7:30 AM EST

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A new Trojan called SpamSolider that infects Android devices is to blame for an increasing number of spam text messages in the US. The malicious software is bundled alongside free versions of popular mobile games like Angry Birds Space and Need for Speed: Most Wanted, according to a recent report from The Register.

Once SpamSolider has infected a handset, it goes about sending out a slew of bogus text messages offering recipients a web link to a free game. Often times, a free game actually accompanies the spam but it’s just used as a distraction so users won’t get suspicious.

In the meantime, SpamSolider is busy sending out thousands of unsolicited SMS messages. The Trojan downloads a list of phone numbers from a command and control server, according to Andrew Conway from Cloudmark. The researcher said his company has seen a peak rate thus far of more than half a million texts per day courtesy of SpamSolider.

Researchers believe the person(s) behind the Tronajn first released it into the wild back in late October. It was originally marketed as an anti-spam app before the author changed course and decided to lure unsuspecting victims in with the offer of a free game instead.

It wasn’t until November 28 that the spammer began to monetize the attack with free gift card offers. As Conway points out, there are ultimately no free gift cards for the victim. Instead, spammers get to collect your personal data to use for affiliate programs to line their pockets with cash.

Facebook is experimenting with paid messages sent to strangers

By Shawn Knight

On December 21, 2012, 8:30 AM EST

Comments12

Facebook is testing a new feature that will allow some users to send messages to people they aren’t friends with. It may not sound like a big deal initially until you realize that the social network will be charging for the convenience – or inconvenience, depending on how you see it.

It’s the latest in Facebook’s continued campaign to generate additional revenue streams which, if nothing else, will make investors happy. As recently noted on the official Facebook blog, a select number of users now have the option to pay to have a message routed to a non-friend’s inbox.

Up to this point, Facebook has used social signals such as friend connections and algorithms to identify spam and determine relevance. Messages determined to be less relevant would usually end up in the “other” folder and thus, often overlooked.

Users interested in sending an “unsolicited” message will be charged $1 per person it’s sent to. It could be a worthy investment if you’re trying to get in touch with someone you might not otherwise have access too but at the same time, those $1 fees could add up quickly if you plan to send out a lot of messages.

As CNET points out, Facebook has a wealth of user data but very few credit cards on file. New features likepromoted photos / posts, gifts and now this will certainly help the social network collect more credit card information. The only question that remains is, how badly do you want to reach out and speak to someone?