Spyware is a malicious tool to be used by cybercriminals to detect data theft on devices. Smart phones aim to make a big profit as they contain everything from bank details to personal user information. Authorities recently released a spy detected earlier this month that used to attack android devices by unsuspecting individuals by posing as a harmless program.
Phone spy found hidden in 23 android apps designed for purposes ranging from learning yoga to watching TV and videos, or browsing photos. The spy was working in South Korea. It used to steal data, messages, photos, and even provide remote control for android cell phones infected with criminals.
The stolen data included personal photos on corporate communications. ZIMPERIUM, a cyber security company that discovered the spyware was updated on November 22 that cell phone spies are no longer working and its command-and-control server has been lowered. Infected equipment is also no longer under the control of the invaders, the company continued to add.
Read More: FTC bans spyware company SpyFone and its CEO from the surveillance industry
Although applications for mobile spyware were not on the Google Play Store listing, attackers used web traffic redirecting or social engineering forums to distribute spyware.
Once inside your device, a cell phone spy can steal important data, including photos, phone logs, contacts, and messages, get a complete list of installed applications, record audio and video real-time using camera and microphone on mobile phones, extracting device information such as IMEI number, device name and brand, and can also provide remote access to the device.
After installation and launch, the infected applications will display a KAKAO registration page that can be used to access other services in South Africa with a one-time login credentials.
