The Android operating system continues to be the subject of efforts aimed at malware. The open source nature of the platform leaves it somewhat at a disadvantage. Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear about sophisticated new malware that puts users’ data at risk.
A new Android malware has been discovered by security researchers. It hides as a security update while taking control of your device and stealing all of your data.
Do not install applications on your Samsung phones from unknown sources
The malware is being distributed through an application called “System Update”. It is floating online, you will not find it on Google Play. The only way to install the application now is to load it in parallel. After this application is installed, the malware hides in the phone and begins to send data to the servers of the malware operator.
This malicious application was discovered by researchers at Zimperium. They found that it can steal contacts, messages, take pictures with the camera, record calls, activate the microphone and more. It is even capable of tracking the victim’s location.
In fact, it is intelligent malware, as it tries to avoid detection without using a lot of network data. It does this by sending thumbnails instead of the full image to the attacker’s servers.
Zimperium’s CEO Shridhar Mittal points out that this is one of the “most sophisticated” Android malware they have ever seen. The only way to protect yourself from this is to not load any apps on your Samsung device.
Many Android users load applications that their devices may not be officially compatible with. Not everyone is cautious about the source of the application’s files. This is one of the main reasons why malware like this, as shown in the image below, can spread everywhere.
Google did not comment on the matter. The app has not yet made it to Google Play and is unlikely to win that approval now that it has a big target on its back.
