"Master Key" to Android phones discovered. (microsoft, coverage, opera)

[vaughanwilliams]

BBC News - 'Master key' to Android phones uncovered

Could it be a major problem?

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by vaughanwilliams

BBC News - 'Master key' to Android phones uncovered

Could it be a major problem?

Nope.

Just as the article covers. Every OS (PC, smartphone etc) has exploits...but they are all in theory. Its not often that one actually escapes into the wild which doesnt get addressed.

Just look up hackathons in Google. Company's pay people to come in and win contests to 'break' their software.

Still its great to see there is coverage on this kind of thing, because it does exist. Just not in a 'breaking news' kind of way.

[ToucheGA]

This is not big news, really. Exploits like this are routinely found in virtually all operating systems. Keep this quote from the article in mind:

Mr Rogers added that Google had been informed about the bug by Mr Forristal and had added checking systems to its Play store to spot and stop apps that had been tampered with in this way.

Sticking to apps from Google Play may decrease your chances of getting an app that has been subjected to tampering. This is not a 100% guarantee, though. Anything is possible when it come to hacking. The same goes for the Apple and Microsoft app stores. Add an antivirus app to your phone can also help you spot any problems that arise from a modified app.