F-Secure, one of the top Antivirus software provider has released list of Top 10 Android malware. These malware hit the Android devices last year. The company also mentions about new threat to watch out in 2016.
One of the popular Android Malware is SMSSend. Making up 15% of all detection, the older SmsSend family is still number one Android threat detected by F-Secure Labs in 2015. But it’s not the only SMS sending family on the list – further down are also Fakeinst, SmsPay, and SmsKey. Attackers set up their own premium rate number and then sends text messages to the premium number and increases user phone bill.
The ransomware family Slocker rose to prevalence in 2015, taking the number two position with 2.46% of detection. Slocker encrypts a device’s image, document and video files, and then displays a message accusing the user of breaking the law. It locks the users device and then demands the user to pay a penalty of $500 to unlock the device. To further intimidate the victim, it claims it has photos of their face and knows their location.
Rounding out the Top 10 list are the information-stealing GinMaster, two exploits that obtain device root access, and a backdoor that gives the attacker access to a device to do as they please.
Zimry Ong, Senior Analyst in F-Secure Labs says-
“When you go to the checkout, instead of the usual checkout process, the website would push an app at you, asking you to use the app to complete your transaction,” Ong says. “If you do so, the attacker of course obtains the credit card and personal information you enter. Bottom line: if you’re shopping on a familiar website and there is suddenly a change from the usual checkout process, it’s a red flag that something is amiss.”
So all Android device users are advised to check the details of app before installing. We also advice Android users to visit only safe websites.
