New Android malware discovered by security experts
There are numerous WhatsApp alternatives available on the market, but not all of them are recommended. One of them was noticed because it massively interferes with the privacy of users and records everything: “Chatrious” or “Apex App”.
Android malware vectors
The Android malware known as “CallerSpy” was first noticed in May.
At that time – as part of the WhatsApp alternative “Chatrious” – it was advertised via a fake Google web address. On this page it was possible to download the APK file for installing the Android app. Only a short time later this page disappeared. In October, it resurfaced to offer a new application “Apex App”. Like “Chatrious”, this chat app also only acts as a vector for the malware.
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Dangers of the WhatsApp alternative
Once the app is downloaded and launched, it connects to a server from which it receives commands. Telephone logs, text messages, contacts and also files on the cell phone are collected. The app can also use the microphone and start and save recordings. All of this data and screenshots that the app creates are regularly transmitted to the attackers.
If this app is installed on your cell phone: delete it immediately!
Fake Google page
The fake page from which you can download the WhatsApp alternative looks at first glance like a Google page. Correct copyright information is also included. A closer look at the URL of the page will help here. There is a third “o” in the word “Google,” reports ZDNet .
When accessing the site on your mobile phone, you have to take a closer look. The address bar is not always displayed in some mobile browsers.
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Background of the malware
What and who is behind the whole thing, what the attackers want and who this attack is aimed at is not known. However, security experts believe that collecting data via the WhatsApp alternative application is the beginning of a targeted cyber espionage campaign.
Source: futurezone.de
Article image: Shutterstock / By rawf8
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