Latest news
A new piece of Android malware that has recently been unearthed by NQ Mobile researchers is capable of logging text messages and phone calls, as well as record them, and send them to a remote server controlled by attackers.Dubbed DDSpy, the malware hides in the app list and waits for instructions that can be delivered via SMS from a remote server.
"When DDSpy receives a command, it will configure the uploading email address and determine what content to steal. Our research shows that it’s capable of uploading the user’s SMS, call log, and vocal records," the researchers pointed out.
"In addition, it reserves a GPS-uploading interface for future development. Because of this strange activity, we are concerned that it will evolve into more malicious spyware."
The malware initiates the recording of phone calls either when it receives the command to do it or when it detects outbound calls, and stores the recordings on the phone's SD card. Once a day, all the recorded information is sent to the remote server.
The researchers didn't say where they found the app or whether an attacker must have physical access to the victim's phone to install it, but it's safe to say that if you find a Gmail app in your device's app list and you haven't put it there, it's unlikely a good thing.


Spotlight

IT security jobs: What's in demand and how to meet it
Posted on 15 May 2013. | Let's say you want a career in information security, where do you start? What credentials do you need? What are employers looking for? Read on to find some answers.

Is Microsoft is reading your Skype communications?
Posted on 15 May 2013. | The question of whether Skype allows U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies to access the communications exchanged by its users has still not been adequately answered by Microsoft.

Internet Explorer best at blocking malware
Posted on 14 May 2013. | While Chrome’s malware download protection improved significantly, Internet Explorer 10 continues to outperform the other browsers with a block rate of 99.96%.

Researcher refuses to help Saudi telco to spy on people
Posted on 14 May 2013. | You would think that a Saudi Arabian telecom firm interested in monitoring its users' mobile communications would not be asking a well-known pro-privacy researcher for help, but you would be wrong.

Malicious browser extensions are hijacking Facebook accounts
Posted on 13 May 2013. | Facebook users - especially those in Brazil - are being targeted with malicious browser extensions trying to hijack Facebook profiles, warns Microsoft.
By subscribing to our early morning news update, you will receive a daily digest of the latest security news published on Help Net Security.
With over 500 issues so far, reading our newsletter every Monday morning will keep you up-to-date with security risks out there.





