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New dangerous Android malware infects millions of devices!

 11 months ago
source link: https://www.gizchina.com/2023/05/19/new-dangerous-android-malware-infects-millions-of-devices/
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A new Android malware called Guerrilla has been discovered that has infected millions of devices around the world. The malware steals personal information from users, including their passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data. Guerrilla can access and steal data from any app on the user’s device.

New Android malware Guerrilla Infects Millions of Devices

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The expert group in security Trend Micro is the one who has detected this threat. The malware is particularly dangerous because it can infect devices even if they are running the latest security updates. This is because Guerrilla does not infect devices through apps, but rather by modifying the device’s ROM.

The ROM is the core software that runs on an Android device. It is responsible for loading the operating system and managing the device’s hardware. Modifying the ROM is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and tools.

So, it is believed that Guerrilla was created by a group of cybercriminals who are known for developing sophisticated malware. Experts believe that the group has been active for several years and is based in China.

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Gizchina News of the week

So, in recent years, security researchers have discovered a series of high-profile Android malware, with Guerrilla being the latest one. In 2017, a malware called Stagefright infected 8.9 millions of devices around the world. Stagefright was able to exploit a vulnerability in the Android operating system to gain access to devices.

Also, in 2019, a malware called Joker infected millions of devices around the world. Joker was able to steal personal information from users, including their passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

The discovery of Guerrilla is a reminder that Android devices are still vulnerable to malware attacks. Users should be careful about what apps they install and should keep their devices up to date with the latest security patches.

Infected countries

Tracking the indicators using Trend Micro Smart Protection Network, the number of infected devices are distributed globally as the threat actor controls devices in more than 180 countries. The top 10 countries affected:

  1. Mexico
  2. Indonesia
  3. Thailand
  4. Russia
  5. South Africa
  6. India
  7. Angola
  8. Philippines
  9. Argentina

Infected devices

  • Smart TVs
  • Android TV boxes
  • Other display devices (e.g., Android-based screens, entertainment systems)
  • Children’s Android-based watches

What to Do If You Are Infected

So, if you think your device may be infected with Guerrilla, it is important to take action immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Back up your data. If your device is infected, you may lose all of your data.
  • Factory reset your device. This will erase all of the data on your device, including the malware.
  • Contact your device manufacturer. They may be able to provide you with additional support.

You can also report Guerrilla to Google. To do this, visit the Google Play Protect website and click on the “Report Malware” button.

How to Protect Yourself from Malware

Also, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from malware and other Android malware:

  • Only install apps from trusted sources. Do not install apps from third-party app stores or from websites that you do not trust.
  • Keep your device up to date with the latest security patches. Security updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities that can be in use by the malware.
  • Use a security app. A security app can scan your device for malware and can help to protect your privacy.
  • Be careful about what information you share online. Do not share your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information with anyone you do not trust.

So, by following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from malware and other Android malware.

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