mobile
New RemControl Android banking malware targets users in Europe and Canada
A new Android malware-as-a-service (MaaS) platform called RemControl is targeting users through malvertising campaigns that impersonate the TVTap IPTV application. Although the infrastructure has been active since at least May, the first samples were observed in July and contained more than 30 phishing overlays designed to steal banking credentials. Researchers at cybersecurity company Group-IB say […]
New RatHat Android malware uses AI to automate device control
A new Android malware called RatHat has been discovered, targeting users with an AI-powered subsystem that helps operators remotely navigate compromised devices. Zimperium zLabs researchers analyzed the malware and believe it is linked to threat actors from China after finding it using LLM prompts written in Chinese. The researchers say the malware is distributed through malvertising, […]
New Android malware encrypts files, steals data, and harasses victims
A new Android malware strain called Mantax Otax combines ransomware and spyware capabilities to encrypt files, steal sensitive data, and spam and harass victims. Indonesian operators distribute the malware through malicious APKs hosted outside Google Play, targeting users with phishing and social engineering messages. After installation, the malware requests permission to use the Accessibility service, which gives […]
Android 17 adds ECH support to make web browsing harder to track
Google is introducing new network security protections in Android 17 to strengthen connection privacy, address cellular vulnerabilities, and protect the privacy of users’ home networks. Android 17 adds support for Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), a new privacy standard that operates in conjunction with private DNS to hide profiling metadata, including visited domain names. ECH acts […]
ToxicPanda Android malware uses VPN permissions to block Google Play
The ToxicPanda Android malware has evolved with new malicious functionality, expanding its targeting to 349 applications and adding support for 167 remote commands. The malware now requests VPN service permissions to create a local interface that allows it to control network traffic passing through it. The feature enables ToxicPanda 2.0 to block communication from Google […]
New Manic Android malware can exfiltrate data through nearby devices
A new Android malware named Manic targeting users in multiple European countries has a fallback mechanism for exfiltrating data through nearby infected devices. The malware has been active since at least February and combines spyware, banking fraud, and remote control capabilities. It targets at least 169 banking, government/eID, payment, crypto wallet, messaging, and authenticator/2FA apps, […]
Android malware combo takes out loans and relays victims’ credit cards
A new Android NFC relay malware called WindRelay is being used alongside the SpyNote remote administration tool (RAT) to steal card data and send it to attackers in real time. In an incident investigated by the cybersecurity company Group-IB, a fraudster impersonated a bank employee and called the victim under the pretense of a problem […]
RedHook Android malware now uses Wireless ADB for shell access
A new version of the RedHook Android malware abuses the Android Wireless Debugging (Wireless ADB) mechanism in a novel way to gain shell-level privileges without requiring a computer connection. Researchers at cybersecurity company Group-IB analyzed the new release of the mobile malware and say that it significantly expands its capabilities compared to the previous variant […]
New Rokarolla Android malware targets 217 banking, crypto apps
A new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla is targeting 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications using an extensive set of 137 commands. The malware is distributed via malicious websites purporting to provide the Google Chrome or TikTok app, and can take complete administrative control of a compromised device. Its capabilities include stealing lock screen credentials, contact […]
FBI disrupts massive AI-powered phishing service using a million URLs
In a coordinated effort, the FBI, working with Google and Black Lotus Labs, has dismantled a massive Chinese phishing-as-a-service operation called Outsider Enterprise with thousands of phishing websites used to steal credit card data and passwords. The cybercrime operation used AI and distributed phishing kits for campaigns impersonating various trusted brands in texts sent through […]