Kaspersky has reportedly discovered the first Trojan specifically aimed at Android-based handsets. Identified as Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a, the malware is disguised as a harmless media player application and prompts users to install a seemingly standard .APK file that weighs just over 13KB. Once installed, the Trojan sends SMSs to premium rate numbers (those that charge) without the owner's knowledge, allowing the criminals to collect money from charges to the victim's account.

Kaspersky notes that the Trojan-SMS category is currently the most prevalent type of malware for cell phones, and the latest has already infected a number of devices. Although this is regarded as the first Trojan to target Google's mobile OS, the security firm notes that spyware first made its way to the platform last year.

It's expected that Android is attracting more attention from hackers, as the operating system has rapidly become one of the most used among smartphones. Kaspersky recommends that users keep an eye on what services applications request to access when being installed -- especially premium rate services that charge to send messages and calls.