Security experts issue urgent malware warning for WhatsApp users – Tech News – Tech – Daily Express US
Security researchers have issued an urgent warning about new malware affecting Android phones and popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal
WhatsApp warning as new Android threat discovered (Image: GETTY)
Users of WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal on Android devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy range or Google Pixel, should be on high alert. A newly discovered bug, known as Sturnus, could potentially put millions at risk, with infected users facing a host of concerning issues, including the theft and reading of private chats.
Security experts at ThreatFabric have confirmed this new threat, stating, “This malware supports a broad range of fraud-related capabilities, including full device takeover. It creates a dangerous threat to victims’ financial security and privacy.”Initially identified by MTI Security researchers, this alarming new Trojan can grant hackers complete remote control once a device is infected.
With this access, attackers can monitor everything a user does on their screen. They can even darken the phone’s screen while executing fraudulent actions in the background – leaving the user oblivious to any ongoing activity. Criminals executing this attack can read incoming and outgoing messages, swipe banking details, and steal login credentials, reports the Express.
Criminals executing this attack can swipe banking details, and steal login credentials, (Image: Getty)
According to ThreatFabric, “The trojan can harvest banking credentials through convincing fake login screens that replicate legitimate banking apps. In addition, it provides attackers with extensive remote control, enabling them to observe all user activity, inject text without physical interaction, and even black out the device screen while executing fraudulent transactions in the background-without the victim’s knowledge.
“By capturing content directly from the device screen after decryption, Sturnus can monitor communications via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.”
Currently, Sturnus appears to remain in its developmental phase and hasn’t proliferated worldwide, but that’s no excuse for complacency. Should cybercriminals develop an effective distribution method, the consequences for Android users could be devastating.
Download apps exclusively from the official Google Play Store, avoid installing software from external sources (Image: Getty)
The most secure approach?
Download apps exclusively from the official Google Play Store, avoid installing software from external sources, and examine app reviews before downloading anything new.
It’s always worthwhile to verify whether an application’s developer maintains a solid reputation and never install an app if it arrives through a link or via social media platforms.
Sturnus may be emerging, but its potential is already triggering significant alarm bells.
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