Whenever we receive a Notify to Update the System Software we usually click on it & Install it but This System Update Malware can Hack your Phone and Steal Data, this specially made virus is only working on Android Devices, but how is it affecting users & how this system update malware is harmful and what can it do to your device, Let’s find out.
The news came by (Zimperium blog), a Security Research group that works on finding Viruses under Cyber Laws reported about this Malware. System Update Malware works as a phishing trick to the users from whom it extracts data without any traces left behind and looks so normal like anything.
What is System Update Malware?
This virus is found in India on Indian Devices only till now, the person who created this malware is still unknown and there are no findings from where it originated. This “System Update Malware” can extract a list of things from a Victims Phone like-
- Call Records
- Contacts
- Photos, Media, Files
- Camera Access
- Mic Access
- Location
- WhatsApp Chats, Media, Recordings
- Data Usage
- Battery Info
- Device Info
- Browser History
- YouTube Playbacks
- Saved Passwords, Payment Options
- Information Saved to any Payment App
- And almost anything from your Phone including any App info
Check- Mobikwik Users Data Leaked on Dark Web, How to check if you are compromised?
Some reports even suggesting that it can remotely access your device, which means if this Malware enters and you download this System Update Trojan horse and give access of your device then it can Remotely access your Smartphone from a distance like:
- Turn on Mic
- Turn on Camera (or can look at you even without opening the camera app from the backdoor)
- Read Live Chats
- Download, Delete or edit Files
- Send Media to its own Server
- And stuff which you might can thing of done through a remote access
Where this System Update Virus come from?
This virus is found coming from 3rd Party App stores, if you download any APK or App from a third party store and not from official Google Play Store, this can enter easily or if you download any file from Torrent or some malicious website then also chances are hight it affect your device.
The virus is non-removal and traces are irreplaceable even after full data erase, all you can do at this situation is keep yourself safe from this because this can really be a permanent resident if you let it enter as it can modify things acc. to its own preference.
Keep in mind if you are Downloading any App on your Device make sure it’s not to Download any APKs right now as it’s not safe and use Play Store only till any further confirmation comes in or way how it can be neutralized.
Pro Tip- Never be in hurry to update your Phone even when you receive a System Update from the brand itself, wait for the announcements or news to confirm if it’s stable & working perfectly. This you should keep in mind every time you going to Click an Update System.
How does this Virus look like?
Just like any normal Company pushed updated, Yess! Yeah, Oh No but its true, this looks exactly like any normal update Update that you get when Company pushes to users and unknowingly you tap on it and your 1 Tap can end the story, this is why you have to be aware of it.
If you find it suspicious and thinking your Device is reacting drunk or abnormal or by mistake you have given it access then immediately turn off the device so to block the connection or just close all Internet pathways like removing your Sim from your Phone, Turning your WiFi off so the data cant is transmitted.
Also always remember to use a good Antivirus app in your Phone because it helps to keep your device safe from these Viruses, and protects it from any vulnerable activity by giving alert or fighting with it.
