Hi-Tech

Smartphone spyware can steal WhatsApp messages from Android phones

January 17, 2018 04:10·
Android malware spying

Android malware spying

Video and photo capture through the front-facing smartphone camera when the surveillance target unlocks the device is also possible with Skygofree, Kaspersky said. In 2012, Hacking Team was named by Reporters Without Borders as one of the "corporate enemies of the internet" for providing surveillance tools to oppressive nations, but the organisation has never identified any of its clients and has consistently denied selling to oppressive governments.

The malicious surveillance software, dubbed "Skygofree", is allegedly capable of turning on the microphone to record audio, while also diving into encrypted WhatsApp messages.

To stay protected from advanced mobile malware threats, Kaspersky Lab strongly recommends implementing a reliable security system that can identify and block such threats on endpoints.

A new spyware for Google's Android mobile operating system contains advanced capabilities for attackers, researchers have found. It has undergone continuous development since the first version was created at the end of 2014, Kaspersky Lab said. It is now being used to surveil targets in Italy, the vendor said.

Kaspersky says the malware is able to achieve this by adding itself to a list of "protected apps" on the phone, thus remaining permanently active.

It remains unclear if those targeted by Skygofree have anything in common outside of being based in Italy, but research suggests that those infected with the Android malware have been compromised after visiting fake websites which mimic those of leading mobile operators.

JJ Abrams developing space series, first TV project since Fringe
Abrams is writing a new TV show and is now shopping it to networks, according to a report today from The Hollywood Reporter . In addition to co-creating " Fringe ", he also co-created "Lost", and created the shows "Felicity" and "Alias".

Tom Brady gets to work on players' day off at Gillette Stadium
James White popped up with two touchdowns on Saturday in the thrashing of Tennessee to remind everyone what a talented back he is. He said he walked off the field feeling "embarrassed" a week after leading his team back from 18 points down against Kansas City.

Wenger branded ref Dean a 'disgrace'
He was very aggressive leaning towards me, pointing aggressively at me saying "you're not honest" on numerous occasions. There is simply no justification for this behaviour'.

Skygofree, which has been active since 2014, can go as far as listening in on conversations when a mobile device enters a particular location.

"High-end mobile malware is very hard to identify and block and the developers behind Skygofree have clearly used this to their advantage, creating and evolving an implant that can spy extensively on targets without arousing suspicion", said Alexey Firsh, malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab.

However, given the treasure trove of information a mobile device can provide attackers, it's no surprise that those behind Skygofree put their main focus on Android - especially given the chance it offers to track a user's movement and therefore activate attacks based on location.

Sifting through the malware code, Kaspersky said it is "pretty confident that the developer of the Skygofree implants is an Italian company that works on surveillance solutions, just like Hacking Team".

During the Skygofree investigation, Kaspersky also found spyware tools for Windows that could be implanted on target systems in order to to exfiltrate data.

A special feature enables Skygofree to circumvent a battery-saving technique.

Recommended News

Join The Conversation

We are pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news.
Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper.
Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.