UpdtBot Android malware discovered, spreads through SMS

Uh-oh, it looks like another malware has been discovered for Android devices. Dubbed the UpdtBot, the malware has been discovered by NQ Mobile Security Research Center and has been revealed to spread through SMS. The malware disguises itself as a SMS with a link asking users to click in order to update their system. Once the link has been clicked and the malware has been installed, UpdtBot will then communicate back to a remote Command and Control center which has the ability to command the malware remotely.

This would allow malicious users to send text messages, make phone calls and download and install apps without the user realizing until it is too late. The research group has estimated that about 160,000 devices may have already been infected. This just goes to show the importance of making sure your apps are downloaded from reliable sources, and to make sure to check reviews and user comments to ensure that the app you’ve downloaded is legit and malware-free. Head on over to NQ Mobile’s website for more details.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones, Tablets
Tags: Android, Malware