Symantec has recently discovered a new threat to some people who uses an android mobile device, including phones and tablets. Hackers have developed a way to install a piece of malware onto mobile devices when they are connected to Windows PCs, and it is a major threat. Windows computers that are infected with the malware won’t notice anything different, but when they plug an android device in and use “USB debugging mode” (this mode is mostly used by developers, and those rooting their device) they may actually be infecting their device. Malware checkers may detect the bug, identified as Trojan.Droidpak (though this file name could change as hackers adapt).
When the device is in this mode, a fake version of the Google Play store is installed. At this time the target of this malware is people who use online banking in Korea according to Symantec. Flora Liu, a researcher at Symantec, said, “The malicious APK [Android application package] actually looks for certain Korean online banking applications on the compromised device and, if found, prompts users to delete them and install malicious versions.”
While this threat is aimed at a only this one group, it represents a major problem for all mobile devices. This is one of the most threatening examples of mobile malware to date, and it can be adapted to target other apps in other countries without too much difficulty for competent hackers.
A recent report found that about 99% of all mobile malware is directed at Android devices, but that doesn’t rule out a threat against iOS based devices, or those on other platforms.
Anyone who has rooted their device, or used USB debugging mode on their device should see if their Windows PC is infected with the malware file mentioned above. If it is, they are at risk and should take steps to ensure their device is not infected.
Marketers need to be aware especially aware of this type of threat because using this type of malware, any apps could be targeted in the future. Infected devices can give customers a bad experience, which is often blamed on the app creators rather than the malware by uninformed customers. Keeping up to date on these types of threats is essential for anyone who works in digital marketing of any type.
