Skorpion, a smartphone charger can detect and eradicate malware

A U.S. company has developed a software that is able to monitor the security status of your smartphone while it reloads. An original solution, but limited.

In June, researchers in computer security from the University of Georgia announced to have found a way to inject malware into smartphones and tablets running iOS.
The company Kaprica Security has chosen to follow the exact opposite approach. Connected to a smartphone, the Skorpion, the charger will not only charge but also automatically scan its contents. A first quick scan detects, about 2 minutes, the presence of malware, a second, more in depth, which takes about 6 minutes and restarting the smartphone application,"reveals malicious changes to your OS."

Two types of scans

The results of these scans are then displayed in a web interface. This allows either an individual to follow the security of its smartphone, or a security officer of a fleet of smartphones companies see the status of all devices under its responsibility. If a problem is detected, the charger will alert the user through a red light. According to the rules set up, the charger can "fix" the damage detected by reinstalling a healthy version of the operating system that will automatically stored locally.

Safer than a virus ...

Doug Britton, the CEO of Security Kaprica the Skorpion performs its verification tasks regardless of the smartphone operating system, its CPU or memory. Unlike antivirus installed on the phone, the case can not, a priori, to be deceived. And if it happened that this case is compromised, Doug Britton said he could not add applications or code in the smartphone.

The Skorpion of Kaprica Security.

But limited

It should be sold by the end of the year or early next year for about $ 65, which will add a monthly subscription of 3 or 4 dollars for security alerts and updates. These will be downloaded using Wi-Fi or data smartphone. A mode of operation that worries some security experts. As reported in the journal of MIT's Professor Xuxian Jiang, University of North Carolina, is concerned that these transmissions can be intercepted. Should according to him the Skorpion works in concert with an application installed on the smartphone application. A need that seems particularly relevant, as the Xuxian Jiang said, the charger does not provide security for smartphone use, but the check is later. So it would be rather a complement security and not a single solution.
Belkin is the famous prop, who will be responsible for manufacturing the product. The Skorpion should be able to work with all smartphones, Android or Windows Phone, the sticking point is the connector, not the operating system.