Security researchers at FireEye have discovered a malicious Android app (malware) created by cybercriminals that phish for or harvest credentials (usernames and passwords) for popular social networking and banking websites. The malicious Android app is being spread by SMS Text messages. The fake or phishing SMS text messages below are some of the few that are being sent to potential victims by cybercriminals, which will download and install the malicious Android app on their mobile devices.
The Phishing SMS Text Messages
- “We could not deliver your order. Please check your shipping information here http://bit .ly/1ZfcNeV”
- “Vi kunne ikke levere din ordre. Kontroller venligst dine forsendelsesoplysninger her http://bit.ly/1ZfcNeV”
Remember, the link in the phishing SMS text messages will download and install the malicious Android app on the victims’ mobile devices when clicked or tapped. Therefore, recipients of the malicious SMS texts are asked to delete them, and should never click on the link in them.
Now, this is why it is not recommended that mobile users click on links they have received in unsolicited SMS text or emails messages to install mobile apps. It is recommended that Android users only install apps from the Google Play Store.
How The Malicious App Works?
Once potential victims’ mobile devices are infected, the malicious app will invisibly place itself over the most popular apps on the mobile devices, or create an overlay. Once the users of the infected devices tap or click on the “overlay” app, the malicious app shows a fake sign-in window or view. And, once the mobile users attempt to sign-in, thinking they are signing into the legitimate app, the malicious app will send their credentials to cybercriminals via a remote computer server. Once cybercriminals have their potential victims’ credentials, they will hijack their accounts and use them fraudulently.
Victims of the credential stealing Android app are asked to change their social media and other online account passwords, and remove unknown apps from their mobile devices. They should also ensure that they have antivirus installed on their mobile devices.