could all Xperia owners please do the following. *URGENT*

[viridis]

Hi, can you please go to android play store and disable auto updates.
Also can you go into Xperia update centre and turn OFF automatic updates.
And do not update the system app "backup and restore"
Will post back soon, still finding out details but it is very urgent that
ALL XPERIA OWNERS DO THE ABOVE ASAP.!!!

[MI5]

*Watching* for developments.......

[Anonymous]

Done and waiting for more information. 

[Anonymous]

Cheers. Will do

[viridis]

Basically @MI5 a hacking group has released an "app" on Google play with the same com.Sonymobile file name as a stock sony app. As it's a system app you cannot delete. When your phone next looks for updates it will find this "app" and won't even ask you to install it as it will think it's just doing an update.

[viridis]

This is the app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.synchub
If you go to that page and the only option is "open" then on next update cycle it will replace your stock backup. (the link is safe and is just the Google play store but do not click on app open)
The list of permissions is quite big.

[MI5]

Nasty little ******** 😞

[viridis]

More info.
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/11/24/sonys-back-up-restore-app-gets-hacked/

Please share this wherever you can. It's obviously very serious.

[viridis]

And please tell anyone you know with ANY Xperia to do as advised in the OP

[MI5]

Mine is switched off in the box since the Note 4 arrived but I'll let my mate at work know for sure