Most college students can’t function without their
smartphone nearby. If it’s an Android device, there’s a malware that could make
their lives miserable.
The malware, called Mazar Android Bot, is spread
through a text message with a malicious link that takes over the user’s device,
according to a report from ITProPortal. The text alerts the user that a multimedia message has been
sent and includes a link to view the message.
The user is then prompted to download the package with
the malware that bears a generic name such as “MMS Messaging” to make it look
like a legitimate application.
Once downloaded, the malware alerts the attacker that a
new device has been compromised. The malware can install a proxy application
that lets the attacker intercept all Internet traffic on the device. It also makes
it possible for man-in-the-middle attacks, which are used to steal account
logins, social media credentials, and banking information.
Security experts believe the malware is of Russian
origin because Mazar Bot can’t be installed on phones owned by Russians. The
bad news is that as it spreads the malware is likely to evolve into new forms.
“Attackers
may be testing this new type of Android malware to see how they can improve
their tactics and reach their final goals, which probably is making more
money,” Andra Zaharia, a security specialist at Heimdal Security, said in a
report for MSN.com. “We can expect this malware to expand its reach.”
