New malware distributed among Android users can steal content from your device, record you without your knowledge - and take control of your smartphone completely • This is how you will protect yourself
Photo: Getty
Did you receive a version update alert? Do not rush to install it: The
security company Zimperium reported over the weekend a damage that is spreading among Android users - and pretends to be an update to the operating system, along with a Google logo and the caption "System Update".
According to the security company's publication, the damage comes to the device through free applications offered outside the official Google Play Store.
"During the investigation, we discovered that this was a sophisticated espionage campaign with complex capabilities," the Zymphorium wrote.
What happens if you approve the "update"?
First, you will not feel anything, but behind the scenes the damage is able to steal information from you - such as messages (including WhatsApp), photos from the gallery, videos, contacts - and also take over your smartphone completely.
Also, hackers can record you without your knowledge, take photos and view your browsing history.
How will you take care of yourself?
The company did not specify what you should do if you updated the damage to the device, but it can be estimated that
resetting it may remove it
.
However, next it is important to remember that with the installation of apps from external stores (and not Google Play), the chances of being infected with viruses will increase significantly.
