Rogue Android game caught stealing, selling WhatsApp data
A rogue game app for Google's Android platform was yanked out of the Google Play store for stealing users' WhatsApp conversation data and selling them online, a security researcher said.
The game "Balloon Pop 2" uploads the stolen data to a website called WhatsAppCopy, which touts the rogue game as a backup app for conversations, according to researcher Graham Cluley.
"Google clearly takes a dim view of the app, as it has now removed it from the official Google Play Android app store. But, of course, it’s quite possible that the app will be widely distributed via unofficial stores – and future versions could be distributed using other disguises than a balloon-popping game," Cluley wrote on his blog.
He noted there was no warning message from the app that it would back up users' WhatsApp conversations, and thus allow them to opt out.
Cluley noted this was not the last time a rogue app made its way to the Google Play store.
"At least Apple has tight reins over the programs which make it into the iOS store for iPhones and iPads," he said.
He also said WhatsApp should improve security, suggesting that it encrypt conversations on the device itself.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/338989/scitech/technology/rogue-android-game-caught-stealing-selling-whatsapp-data?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=GMANewsFacebook*****ingat sa pag-download ng games / apps even sa Google Play Store. check user reviews & comments first before downloading.Please delete / lock if posted
