Update: We've just received a statement from Karbonn, which states: "Karbonn during its internal testing has not found any such virus in the models: A34 & A37. Further there has been no such complaint related to the possible threats due to malware reported by the A34 & A37 users." Yesterday: A mobile security firm Lookout has found that some models of Gionee and Karbonn mobile devices are coming with viruses pre-loaded on them. Researchers at Lookout found a Chinese malware known as DeathRing pre-installed on a number of handsets and devices popular in India and Africa. DeathRing is a Trojan virus which masquerades as a ringtone application, but instead download SMS and WAP content from its control servers on to a victim's phone. In a blog post, Lookout mentions that DeathRing might use SMS content to phish victim’s personal information by fake text messages requesting the desired data. It may also use the phone's browser to prompt victims to download APKs which may contain further malware that can access the device and its data. The malware is triggered in two ways. The first is that the user needs to switch off and switch on their devices five times. The second trigger which activates the virus is, if the victim has "been away and present" at the device 50 times, i.e. locking and unlocking the device. Lookout mentions that it is unable to find where in the supply-chain the malware is being installed but the devices are mostly from third-tier manufacturers selling…
