A smartphone currently on sale in China has been found to come pre-loaded with spyware.
The phone in question is the Star N9500, and the security risk was discovered by German firm G Data Software, who are known for dealing with this sort of thing. G Data software purchased the cheap Star N9500 handset after receiving several complaints from customers. Unnervingly, though, after weeks of work G Data Software was still unable to determine exactly who manufactures the phone.
What’s really worrying though is just how widely available the handset is in China. It’s currently being sold on several major online retailers, and you can even buy it right now on Amazon UK. Whilst budget handsets are a dime-a-dozen in the Far East, the market is large enough that a significant number of people could be affected.
The spyware is capable of stealing personal data, placing rogue calls, and turning on the phone’s camera and microphone. That’s a pretty comprehensive Trojan, and it’s already installed on the phone when the customer purchases it.
The stolen data is then sent to server in China – exactly who owns that server is unknown.
In conclusion: if you were thinking of buying a Star N9500… probably best to hold off for now. We hear the Motorola Moto E makes a rather nice alternative.
