New Android Malware Stealing Data from Popular Messenger Apps

Almost All Instant Messaging Platforms Like Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Line, And Viber Targeted By The Malware.

Researchers at cyber-security firm Trust look Labs have identified new Android Trojan that is stealing data from all mainstream instant messaging apps for mobile.

The list of targeted apps is available below:

• Twitter

• Skype

• Viber

• Weibo

• Line

• Coco

• BeeTalk

• Tencent

• WeChat

• Gruveo

• Magic Call

• Telegram Messenger

• Facebook Messenger

The malware can effectively hide its configuration file and some of its modules to evade detection. In their report, which was published on Monday, researchers noted that this malware is not as sophisticated as those discovered previously and has limited capabilities.

Its main task is to collect sensitive user data from instant messaging apps and IM clients. Once the malware successfully infects an app, it modifies the “/system/etc/install-recovery.sh” file. After this, it enables the file to be executed every time the infected app is opened.

It is also possible that third-party app stores are responsible for spreading the infectious app. Therefore, it is advised that Android users should avoid downloading third-party apps, scan the device regularly with an anti-malware and keep its operating system updated.