Page Seven / Agencies
The latest security threat to Android devices called HummingBad. It is a parasite that is already present in more than 10 million devices, mostly located in China and India, but also in a large number of cell phones in Mexico and Colombia, reported El Mundo newspaper and the BBC.
This malicious software is installed by visiting certain web pages infected and once active in the system seeks ways to gain root access (root) to download new applications.
If you do not get it automatically, tricks users by masking its activity as a software update. The most amazing thing HummingBad, however, is not functioning but its effectiveness and the group of developers who seems to be behind its creation.
With a million infected devices HummingBad could be generating more than $ 300,000 a month by tapping on specific advertising campaigns or application downloads. “The different apps and plugins associated with HummingBad show more than 20 million ads a day and records keystrokes 12.5% of them, the most fraudulent” reads in the world.
Its origin It appears to be linked to the Yingmob signing a Along with other applications and similar tools Chinese conglomerate focused on the world of advertising, marketing and metrics. this group could have access to more than 85 million Android devices.
Check Point an Israeli security company that has followed the evolution of this malicious software since February, says that currently HummingBad not seem collect personal user information, “but with their level of access in the phone’s memory could be able to access messages, pictures or bank details “.
How to know if you have HummingBad in the cell?
“It depends. You may have no alert” warns the signing of specialized security on cell phones Network Security in UK. “But if you notice unusual behavior, such as your phone starts to slow, suspect,” reads the BBC.
“There’s a simple trick to know you are infected, “says BBC Mundo Manu Contreras, blogger and specialized in technology and security journalist.
” at the moment you see that your phone has applications that you never installed or show you pages advertising, you should download some antivirus such as Kaspersky Internet Security or Lookout “. At that time is when one should take care.
What can you do to your phone?
You can flood you with unsolicited advertisements which refuse to leave unless you click on them-and install malicious applications. But, as said before, the most serious problem is access to their phone and data, some apps can steal and sell to the highest bidder.
“As this infection is installed at the root of operating system, theoretically could do anything with computers because they can run applications remotely, “says Manu Contreras.
what can you do if you have it?
“the first to have an infected cell is to back up your data. Photos, videos, documents or chat conversations are the most important data “suggests Contreras.
The following may not like it as an option. According to experts CheckPoint cited by the specialized site CNET, the solution is “reset” completely the phone. This means erase everything he has done in the appliance and leave it as if it were new factory.
it must activate the “scan data-restore factory” (wipe data / factory reset), according to the specific instructions for your model of phone.
How do I avoid it?
- applications Do not download applications from unknown sites. But keep in mind that even within official stores “there are lots of malicious applications,” says the firm Network Security.
- Decargas Before downloading accept an application from Google Play, a window with the permissions that the app ask, such as access contacts or use the camera is displayed. But eye, what do want a flashlight app to use the camera or contacts?
- Links Do not click on links did not expect to receive. Network Security company warns that these links can even text message, so do not give in to the temptation to open them if you find them this way.
- Protection Use an antivirus program from a recognized company that is continually updated. And although that is standard advice, mobile security company also recommends using programs that allow users to visualize what is happening in the operating system of your phone.
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