New Malware Spreads Like 'Flu' on Android
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 6:12 am
A new piece of Android malware is using the names of companies like Amazon to steal passwords from unsuspecting users. Dubbed FluBot, the virus “spreads like the flu,” according to experts, and uses SMS to reach more victims.
Like many phishing attacks, the malware uses social engineering to gain access to a user’s smartphone. Hackers send out text messages on behalf of companies like Amazon and DHL, accompanied by a link to download an app to track deliveries.
Fake app download page.Fake app download page. Source: NCSC
The address leads to an APK installer outside the Play Store that austria whatsapp list a fake app. If the user installs the app, the virus scans the phone to collect credentials such as logins, passwords and bank details.
Spreading like the flu
FluBot also draws attention for “spreading like the flu,” according to Slashgear . In addition to collecting sensitive user information, the virus accesses the smartphone’s calendar app to reach more victims.
The virus collects phone numbers saved on your phone and sends the same text message pretending to be from a delivery company and containing a link to the malicious app. The malware's method of spreading is so effective that the UK government's cybersecurity division has issued a warning to Android smartphone users.
For those who have an Android phone and have received malicious links via SMS, the tip is to not click on suspicious addresses and avoid downloading installers from untrustworthy sources. Since Apple is quite restrictive with iOS and does not allow the use of apps outside of the App Store, iPhone users are protected against the “virtual flu”.
Like many phishing attacks, the malware uses social engineering to gain access to a user’s smartphone. Hackers send out text messages on behalf of companies like Amazon and DHL, accompanied by a link to download an app to track deliveries.
Fake app download page.Fake app download page. Source: NCSC
The address leads to an APK installer outside the Play Store that austria whatsapp list a fake app. If the user installs the app, the virus scans the phone to collect credentials such as logins, passwords and bank details.
Spreading like the flu
FluBot also draws attention for “spreading like the flu,” according to Slashgear . In addition to collecting sensitive user information, the virus accesses the smartphone’s calendar app to reach more victims.
The virus collects phone numbers saved on your phone and sends the same text message pretending to be from a delivery company and containing a link to the malicious app. The malware's method of spreading is so effective that the UK government's cybersecurity division has issued a warning to Android smartphone users.
For those who have an Android phone and have received malicious links via SMS, the tip is to not click on suspicious addresses and avoid downloading installers from untrustworthy sources. Since Apple is quite restrictive with iOS and does not allow the use of apps outside of the App Store, iPhone users are protected against the “virtual flu”.