Everyone’s hair is on fire about PowerOffHijack, the Android malware that spies on you when you phone is supposed to be off. Guess what? It’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. Check out the video to learn why.
(Episode Runtime: 2:08)
Direct YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPgNZIs9Iq4
EPISODE REFERENCES:
- PowerOffHijack spies when you phone is “off” – Slashgear
- AVG’s source research on PowerOffHjiack – AVG
- The Android PowerOffHijack isn’t as bad as it sounds – Tech Republic
— Corey Nachreiner, CISSP (@SecAdept)
You talk about installing anti-malware software on Android phones – but to truly protect, these need root privileges. And enabling root privileges is too great a security risk to justify this! What solution is there, other than pressuring Google to improve their security model?
Actually, not all Android malware program need root. I Malwarebytes for Android doesn’t (and recommend you don’t root for security reasons). That said, I do agree with you that Google needs to provide a solution that allows AV apps the privileges needed while not forcing folks to root, but I do believe there are options out there now that work.