4 ms·

Don't deflect. Answer the question then explain why it is "malware". Is it thus any more "malware" than HN is? HN doesn't even let you delete your account. Int

• deafpolygon 3y ago
  "Practically". Is it actually malware? It depends on your perspective, I suppose. Most flavors (for lack of a better word) of Android serve as a vehicle to collect data on its users. I consider this a form of malware (since the definition is "software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or _gain unauthorized access_ to a computer system"). While AOSP is less so, since it is open source after all, it is still often used to create versions of Android that spy on its users. But I digress. In practice, most Android devices are woefully outdated and cannot be upgraded to a current version - they are susceptible to being compromised, or may already be compromised. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/05/potentially-millions-of-android-tvs-and-phones-come-with-malware-preinstalled/ https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/05/poten... https://www.techradar.com/news/this-dangerous-new-malware-also-has-ransomware-capabilities https://www.techradar.com/news/this-dangerous-new-malware-al... https://www.tomsguide.com/news/this-new-android-malware-is-stealing-passwords-and-2fa-codes-what-you-need-to-know https://www.tomsguide.com/news/this-new-android-malware-is-s... Much of it is in their own App Store, or arriving to users pre-installed.