Users of Android Phones Warned of Hong Tou Tou

BEIJING, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- A new virus on Android devices has been spotted in China by NetQin, a global leading mobile security service provider. Dubbed "Hong Tou Tou", the virus targets Chinese users and is distributed by hiding itself in legitimate apps such as the well known game RoboDefense.

Once the app containing Hong Tou Tou is started, the virus will connect to a network in the background and will attempt to collect private information in the phone, encrypt it and send it to a remote server controlled by the virus writer. The virus is also capable of analyzing the user's private information using key words. These behaviors result in serious leakage of the user's privacy.

However, if you are using NetQin Mobile Anti-virus 4.6 for Android on your smartphone, you can rest assured as it fully protects your phone with a high scan capability. NetQin experts give the following suggestions for users to stay safe with your phone:

1. Download applications from trusted sources, reputable application stores and markets, and be sure to check reviews, ratings and developer information before downloading. Beware of the repackaged mobile apps from Android market, especially those labeled as "Cracked Version" or "Revised Version", as they may be embedded with viruses.
2. Never blindly accept application requests. Closely monitor permissions requested by any application; an application should not request permission to do more than what it offers in its official list of features;
3. Be alert for unusual behaviors on your phone, such as stealthy network connection or SMS.
4. Download a trusted security application that can scan the applications being downloaded onto any mobile device and perform a full scan for your phone regularly to keep away viruses, malware and Trojans. NetQin Mobile Anti-virus is protecting millions of users from virus threats. NetQin Mobile Anti-virus 4.6 is available to download at http://www.netqin.com/products/antivirus/ and on Android Market.

About NetQin

Founded in 2005, backed by Sequoia, Mayfield, Fidelity and Ceyuan VC, NetQin Mobile Inc. (referred to as "NetQin" hereafter) is a global leader in mobile security services, delivers proven mobile security solutions based on a cloud-computing model, including anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spam, privacy protection, data backup and recovery, as well as data management - to more than 70 million users in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide - to protect them against mobile security threats.  As the market leader in mobile security, NetQin holds 67.7% market share of China mobile security market (2010 Whitepaper on China Mobile Security Market by Frost & Sullivan, January 2011), and has received multiple industry awards and honors, including Technology Pioneer 2011 by the World Economic Forum, and the 2009 China Frost & Sullivan Award for Mobile Security Market Leadership.

For more information, please visit http://www.netqin.com .