Security News > 2020 > September > Android Spyware Variant Snoops on WhatsApp, Telegram Messages

Researchers say they have uncovered a new Android spyware variant with an updated command-and-control communication strategy and extended surveillance capabilities that snoops on social media apps WhatsApp and Telegram.

APT-C-23 is known to utilize both Windows and Android components, and has previously targeted victims in the Middle East with apps in order to compromise Android smartphones.

The fake app store distributed both legitimate apps as well as fake apps posing as AndroidUpdate, Threema and Telegram.

The spyware can now record victims' screens and take screenshots, record incoming and outgoing calls in WhatsApp and read text of notifications from social media apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype and Messenger.

To avoid falling victim to spyware, researchers advised Android users to only install apps from the official Google Play app store and to scrutinize apps' permissions.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/new-android-spyware-whatsapp-telegram/159694/