Carriers release service to rid smartphones of spyware

Korea’s three telecom carriers - SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ - have all begun offering a free service that automatically eliminates malicious spywares secretly installed in their customers’ smartphones. The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning on Wednesday said that the system automatically detects the existence of the malicious apps by testing all text messages exchanged.

So far, all three carriers have just provided a service that blocks hackers’ servers after detecting spying attempts. SK Telecom has been testing the more advanced service since April, while KT and LG U+ have launched their service starting today. SK Telecom and LG U+ use their own apps, called T Guard and U+ Spam Block, while KT uses ALYac, an app developed by a local software company EstSoft. To enhance detectability, smartphone users should ensure to have the latest version of these apps, the ministry said.