Android has been hoarding the largest market share when it comes to mobile operating systems. While Android and iOS are always at each other’s neck, one thing that the former lacks more in is security. Well, it might be due to the open-source nature of Android. According to a new report, new Android malware is making its round on the internet. This new powerful Android malware masquerades as a ‘system update’ making it hard for the user to find. Just like most malware, you won’t find this one on Play Store.
System Update is a smart piece of malware that is stealing your private information!
We’re not talking about the built-in System Update that you use to update your software or check for the latest ones. Instead, we’re now looking at new spyware that disguises itself as a System Update application. This facade nature of the malware makes it hard for the user to find. Most of the time, you would think of it as the default system update working behind the scene, possibly checking for some new OTA update.
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This new Android malware is discovered by researchers over at Zimperium. According to the researchers, the spyware sends private data to the malware operator’s servers. We’re looking at information such as contacts, messages, call recordings, and much more. Furthermore, this malicious app can also take photos from your phone and can enable microphones sneakily. It is even capable of tracking your location-related data along with grabbing copied data from the clipboard. All of these would sound insane and to be honest, it really is.
While these are a few of the things that we have mentioned, this new malware is capable of a lot of suspicious activities. Zimperium CEO Shridhar Mittal has even coined it as among the “most sophisticated” Android malware to date. Mittal further goes on to add that the malware appears to be designed with a lot of time and effort.
How to prevent yourself from this malicious malware?
Since this new ‘system update’ malicious malware is among the most sophisticated ones, there’s only one way to prevent you and your device from it. To prevent yourself, we and researchers recommend not side-loading any app on your Android smartphone. You should not install any app or game from unknown sources as the malware can sneakily make its way to your device.
