FluBot: this malware revolutionizes contamination on Android

The pirates, we can only condemn their actions, but also somewhere respect the fertile imagination they use to achieve their ends. The latest baby in the malware scene is named FluBot, and it is true that it spreads like the flu, even if it does so in a very vicious way. a social engineering world class.

Trust me !

The cybersecurity company Cert NZ has indeed recently alerted on the large-scale distribution of a new malware named FluBot. The latter attacks the data of users of devices running Android. For now, it is ineffective on devices running iOS. It spreads via SMS that you will receive casually and who, in his great generosity, offers to protect you against a threat that is raging at the moment. The name of this threat? FluBot ! Yes, you read that right ! Hackers want to hack you by offering to protect you against the virus that you are going to help them install on your phone! Quite simply, great art.

Get it ?! Tea #FluBot virus pretends to be a (fake) #security update against itself. pic.twitter.com/it6lviWEVR

– Jozsef Makay (@MakayJozsef) October 11, 2021

The received message warns you that an infection is possible but that, thanks to a security update, you will be able to prevent it. We then explain how to deactivate the security of your device in order to install this update more easily. If you are unfortunate enough to follow these instructions, the malware will infect your phone and hackers will be able to recover your bank details and any passwords you have saved in the memory. Cert NZ nevertheless certifies that a simple click on the link without going to the installation is not dangerous.

I’m on the list

This vicious way of doing things is not the only method used by hackers to propagate FluBot. Always by SMS, they can suggest you install an application to track the arrival of a certain package. Another variation of the trick, you have received a voice message that can only be heard through a specific app to download. Simple and efficient ! The malware doesn’t make you steal your data. Once warm in your terminal, he has access to your directory and uses it to send messages to your entire contact list. And the virus to spread with impunity. To date, traces of FluBot have been found in Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Germany as well as Hungary and the United Kingdom.

We are living in a good time for the creativity of cybercriminals. Over the past few weeks, BluStealer has successfully taken on cryptocurrency wallets and Grifthorse already done more than 10 million victims from whom he would have stolen several hundred thousand euros. Not to mention the malware Pegasus which can infect your phone with a simple call made by WhatsApp. Something to be wary of and stay alert for users. Regarding updates to your phones / tablets Android, never forget that alone Google provides official updates. Any other source can potentially hide a virus. To be sure to protect yourself, we give you 5 tips to protect the security of your smartphone.

Android devices particularly targeted by malware

One wonders why Android devices are the most targeted by viruses. Is Android a sieve in terms of security? So of course, Google’s OS is not free from flaws, but you should know that it represents 84% ​​of the market share in the world (77% in France). It is therefore normal that it is the target of cybercriminals and other virus designers. It’s a bit the same syndrome as with Windows, the majority on PC. There are many viruses for Linux, but what’s the point of wasting time chasing 4% of the herd when you can easily pluck the remaining 96%. In addition, Android’s main competitor is Apple and its 16%. It’s not nothing, but Apple is protected by its “closed” side. It is impossible to install a “home” app on your iPhone or iPad, you absolutely have to go through the App Store, unless you have a jailbroken device. This closure to the world that we hate in the editorial staff is therefore a bulwark against attacks, which does not mean that they do not exist. But hey, if you live between 4 brick walls, do you really live?

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