New York Times: Secret Back Door in Some U.S. Phones Sent Data to China, Analysts Say
WASHINGTON — For about $50, you can get a smartphone with a high-definition display, fast data service and, according to security contractors, a secret feature: a backdoor that sends all your text messages to China every 72 hours.
Security contractors recently discovered preinstalled software in some Android phones that monitors where users go, whom they talk to and what they write in text messages. The American authorities say it is not clear whether this represents secretive data mining for advertising purposes or a Chinese government effort to collect intelligence.
International customers and users of disposable or prepaid phones are the people most affected by the software. But the scope is unclear. The Chinese company that wrote the software, Shanghai Adups Technology Company, says its code runs on more than 700 million phones, cars and other smart devices. One American phone manufacturer, BLU Products, said that 120,000 of its phones had been affected and that it had updated the software to eliminate the feature.
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WNU Editor: 10 years ago this would be the top news story .... and Android sales would be obliterated. Today .... aside from the tech news sites and blogs .... no one cares.
More News On Chinese Spyware Found On 700 Million Android Phones
Chinese-authored spyware found on more than 700 million Android phones -- Cyber Scoop
[Updated] Security firm reportedly finds spyware on Chinese Android phones, including Blu devices sold in the US -- Android Police
Chinese spyware found on 700 million Android phones -- World Tribune
What You Need To Know About Your Smartphone Spying On You For China? -- iTechPost
