The malware that causes System Update attacks Android phones

Do you have an Android smartphone? Then here is the piece of information that you should not ignore. Security investigators have discovered a new and aggressive form of malware that is affecting Android smartphones. What makes this new malware more deadly than others is the fact that it cleverly hides itself by making itself a system update.

According to researchers at Zimperium, the new malware disguises itself as a System Update application, making it difficult to detect. Once installed, it takes control of Android phones that not only steal data but also messages and photos among other things.

Investigators say that once they are in control, hackers can record audio and phone calls, take pictures, access WhatsApp messages, steal instant messenger messages and database files, check browser default bookmarks and search, search for files with specific extensions, check attachment data, application content list, list installed, stealing photos and videos, monitoring GPS location of users, stealing SMS messages, phone contacts, stealing phone logs and even removing device details.

Zimperium chief executive Shridhar Mittal told TechCrunch that malware may be part of the targeted attack.

“It’s the easiest thing we’ve ever seen … I think a lot of time and effort has been put into making this app. We believe there are other apps out there like this, and we’re trying our best to find them as quickly as possible,” he told the letter.

Now, the good news is that this malicious app has never been found in the Google Play Store. This means that as long as you continue to download apps from the Google Play Store, you should be safe.