New Android malware can record your conversations
Who wouldn’t like getting free products or services to save a few bucks? Especially these days when inflation is skyrocketing.
But not everything is always as it seems. If you search online for free device cleaners or security apps, they might infect your device with malware. Tap or click here for a few examples of free antivirus apps recently caught hiding malware.
Unfortunately, another dangerous malware variant is replicating rapidly, and its capabilities are concerning. This latest threat not only steals personal information from your device but can take control of your phone to make calls and send texts. Read on for details and what you can do to avoid it.
Here’s the backstory
There have been tons of malicious apps found in app stores lately that, if downloaded, will infect your device with malware. But this dangerous malware variant isn’t found in any app store. Instead, it’s being spread through untraditional means.
Here’s what’s happening. Security researchers at Zimperium zLabs recently discovered a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) targeting Android phones. A fake app is being advertised on social media in the Middle East, targeting business phones.
The app claims to allow users to log into social media sites that are typically blocked from their viewing. The app is called NumRent and is a renamed version of a previously malicious app called TextMe. To get the app onto your device, you need to download it from a link in the ad. Any red flags there?
It’s never a good idea to sidestep official app stores. We always recommend getting apps from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Downloading an app from a social media link is even more dangerous than using a third-party store. In other words, do NOT do it!
The malware hiding in the fake NumRent app is called RatMilad by the team at Zimperium.
RatMilad is particularly dangerous, as it can:
- Access your contact list, text messages and call logs.
- Read account names and permissions on your device.
- See clipboard data.
- Retrieve GPS location data.
- Read, write and delete files.
- Record sounds and conversations from the phone.
RatMilad gives bad actors access to account credentials on your phone and can even let them place phone calls and send text messages.
Check your cupboard! This snack is an E. coli risk
If you enjoy the outdoors or an occasional hike, you will likely pack a few snacks for the trail. Tap or click here for five 5 health tests you can take online. There is nothing worse than trying to enjoy the peaceful nature with your stomach grumbling. But before you head out again, check your cupboard.
This data-stealing phishing attack is a triple malware threat
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to spread malware. One of their favorite ways is by hiding malware in Android apps. Tap or click here for three types of Android malware to avoid.
Phishing attacks are another popular way to spread malware and steal sensitive data. There is a new type of phishing attack making the rounds that is difficult to spot.
QR code app caught hiding malware - Check your phone!
Malware is always problematic, but the worst kind of infection is those that steal your money and wipe your phone.
While new malware is constantly developing, security researchers closely watch for updated variants. Banking trojans like TeaBot can hide in any mobile app and wreak havoc with your finances.
Places you're most likely to get COVID - and a way to score free N95 masks
The COVID omicron variant is still spreading. California and Texas are hardest hit, accounting for 11.4 million of the total 74 million cases. Looking for free COVID tests? Avoid these fraudulent sites.
The number of vaccines administered is also rising, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch COVID. Being vaccinated only lowers the severity of the infection if you do happen to catch it.
Mysterious salmonella outbreak is spreading - Use this map to track it
In early September this year, the Centers for Disease Control identified 20 salmonella Oranienburg infections. But these weren’t isolated cases. In fact, it was wider spread than initially thought.
By the middle of September, another 127 cases had been reported, spanning 25 states. While no deaths had been reported, the age groups affected ranged from one year to 91.
Recalled onions behind massive salmonella outbreak
Updated 08/13/20: with new details.
The coronavirus pandemic is still raging on, months after the outbreak began. And depending on which part of the country you live in, things are worse now than ever.
Amazon warehouse hit by coronavirus - do this now to protect yourself
It might be summer vacation for America’s kids and students, but COVID-19 hasn’t taken any breaks at all. In the weeks since reopening measures kicked into gear, there have been multiple spikes of infection in several hot spots around the country.
Have an old phone? You might not be able to use Google and Apple's COVID-19 contact-tracing app
One of the biggest changes we’ve seen in response to COVID-19 has been the abject shuttering of public life. Stores are closed, businesses are running on skeleton crews and public gatherings are highly discouraged (if not broken up by police, like in some cities).
New coronavirus app will tell you if you’ve been near an infected person
People frequently complain about the power and reach of Big Data in today’s digital economy. Now, more than ever, data is a global currency — and is what the biggest power-brokers on earth use to transform industries and economies.