Threat Descriptions

Monitoring-Tool:Android/Lifemonspy.A

Classification

Category :

Riskware

Type :

Monitoring-Tool

Platform :

Android

Aliases :

-

Summary

Lifemonspy.A is a monitoring and anti-theft program that allows user to perform actions on the device from a remote location.

Removal

Once the scan is complete, the F-Secure security product will ask if you want to uninstall the file, move it to the quarantine or keep it installed on your device.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Lifemonspy.A is a monitoring and anti-theft program that provides user with some control of the device through SMS messages. It allows the user to perform these actions from a remote location:

  • Deleting contacts
  • Deleting contents of the external storage (SD card)
  • Transferring SMS messages in the inbox to a Gmail account
  • Deleting previously sent messages from the outbox
  • Turning off the device

The program places no visible icon on the menu screen, but can be seen listed on the 'Manage applications' window. From time to time, it forwards the device's location to a remote website.

Upon detecting a change in the device's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), Lifemonspy.A will send out an alert message to a configured number and log the event on the aforementioned website.

Lifemonspy.A as viewed through the 'Manage applications' window

While apps with such behavior may be legitimately used by the device's authorized user, they are classified by security programs as riskware because in the hands of unauthorized users, they can also be used to cause damage to the user's data or the device.

If you are confident that you are aware of the risks involved in using the program and consent to its use, you may choose to keep it installed on your device.