MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 7 (UPI) -- U.S. Internet giant Google said it had activated a remote kill switch to remove malware applications on mobile devices that compromised device data.
"The only information the attacker(s) were able to gather was device-specific … unique codes which are used to identify mobile devices and the version of Android running on your device," Google director of security Rich Cannings wrote in an online blog, InformationWeek reported Monday.
Google did not say how many malware applications it had deleted but the event has triggered concern, given that Google removed applications owned by individuals, even if it was malicious, without asking permission first.
"Given the nature of the exploits, the attacker(s) could access other data, which is why we've taken a number of steps to protect those who downloaded a malicious application," Cannings wrote.
The malware went by various names including "Hilton Sex Sound" and "Scientific Calculator," The Washington Post reported.
Google said infected phones would be sent an "Android Market Security Tool March 2011."
Owners of phones running Android 2.22 or higher need not be concerned, Google said.
On ZDNet, the Post reported, Steven Vaughan-Nichols wrote he was "not crazy about the idea that Google, or anyone else, can reach out and rip software out of one of 'my' devices without my say-so."
"Wouldn't it have been better to do minimal checking on software before letting it on (Google's) Android Market?" he asked.
