Criminals are typically creating Trojan copies of reputable apps and tricking users
into installing them, the BBC reports
Smartphone users need to take more precautions to protect
themselves from unintentionally downloading malware applications, according to a
national computer security campaign. According to Get Safe Online, a
UK-based campaign and national initiative to teach citizens about basic computer
security, there has been an increase in Smartphone malware as the market has grown.
Criminals are typically creating Trojan copies of reputable apps and tricking users
into installing them, the BBC reports.
The app, if downloaded, can secretly generate cash for criminals through premium
rate text messages. The campaign said fraudsters are designing apps that generate
cash secretly in the background without the owner realising until their monthly
bill is received. A typical scam involves an app designed to send texts to premium
rate services without the user knowing. According to the report, apps can appear
to be bona fide software or sometimes masquerade as stripped down free versions
of well-known games.
The campaign has expressed concerns that users of Smartphone’s, such as Android
devices, were not taking enough steps to protect their devices. Rik Ferguson, a
hacking researcher with the Internet security firm Trend Micro, pointed out that
'this type of malware is capable of sending a steady stream of text messages to
premium rate numbers'. "With costs of up to 6 pounds per message, this can be extremely
lucrative," Ferguson said. "The user won't know this is taking place, even if they
happen to be using the device at the same time, as the activity takes place within
the device's back-end infrastructure," he added.
Courtesy: Times of India
