Introduction:
- Mobile malware comes in many forms. Some malware sits in the background and reads data about what the user is doing with their phone. Others actively attack the device in question by running malicious scripts such as bitcoin mining, or running malicious advertisements on the users device. Some mobile malware uses the device's privilege to access networks that would otherwise be blocked by a firewall or other security measures. Since the device is being controlled has access to a secured network, if the affected device isn't able to detect the issue, the network will allow the trusted computer access to the network.
- Mobile malware is diverse in how it can infect a target device. Most malware is downloaded accidentally, such as through fake download links on websites with bad advertisements. These are installed by the user because they pretend to be something the user actually wanted to download and use. Other mobile malware can be downloaded by visiting a bad link. These downloads happen quickly, because the link automatically starts the download process after clicking on the link, often with the user being unaware until the download is well on it’s way and sometimes in the background.
- Mobile malware can also be downloaded because of phishing techniques. These trick the user into giving the bad actor password or fingerprint information, which is then used to login to the device or account and then act from there. Many times users will not know that their device is compromised because they believed that they were actually protecting their device,or was doing something innocuous that wouldn't cause any harm.
While mobile malware can be dangerous, there are some ways to protect against it to keep your device safe. Old versions of apps can have vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain access to your device. Many of these flaws are patched up in future updates, so keeping your apps up to date is an important security measure. The google play store and the apple store both have vetted software. It is not completely impossible to find a virus on these official app stores, but it is highly unlikely and they often remove them. You can also use mobile security software that will scan your phone in the background to remove many common threats. A firewall is an additional layer of security, along with making sure that you have a lock set up on your phone.
Examples of Mobile Malware
Remote Access Tools
Remote Access Tools (RATs) in the context of mobile malware refer to malicious software or applications designed to provide unauthorized access and control over a mobile device from a remote location. These tools are typically created with malicious intent, and they can pose serious threats to user privacy, security, and data integrity. Some common functionalities asssociated with RATs in the context of mobile malware are the following:
Unauthorized Access:
RATs enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to a mobile device. Once installed, the attacker can remotely connect to the device without the user's knowledge or consent.
Data Theft:
Remote Access Tools may be used to steal sensitive data from the infected device, such as personal information, login credentials, financial data, and more. This information can be exploited for various malicious purposes, including identity theft and financial fraud.
File Manipulation:
Attackers can use RATs to manipulate files on the compromised device, including deleting, modifying, or transferring files. This can lead to data loss or manipulation.
Bank trojans
Banking trojans are a type of malicious software designed specifically to target financial transactions and sensitive information related to online banking. When it comes to mobile malware, bank trojan tools are crafted to compromise the security of mobile banking applications and steal sensitive financial data. Some commonalities of this software include:
Credential Theft:
Bank trojans are primarily designed to capture login credentials for online banking applications. They may intercept and record usernames and passwords as users enter them into legitimate banking apps.
Two-Factor Authentication Bypass:
Many banking trojans have the capability to intercept one-time passwords or authentication codes sent via SMS or generated by authenticator apps. This allows attackers to bypass two-factor authentication mechanisms.
SMS and Call Manipulation:
Banking trojans may manipulate SMS messages or phone calls to hide transaction alerts or communication from the bank. This prevents users from being notified of suspicious activities
Cryptomining Malware
Crypto mining malware, also known as cryptocurrency mining malware or cryptojacking, refers to malicious software that secretly exploits the processing power of a mobile device to mine cryptocurrencies without the user's knowledge or consent. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of validating transactions on a blockchain network and adding them to the distributed ledger (blockchain) in exchange for newly created cryptocurrency coins.
Silent Execution:
Once installed on the device, the crypto mining malware runs silently in the background without the user's awareness. It may try to conceal its presence to avoid detection.
Resource Consumption:
Crypto mining requires significant computational resources, leading to increased CPU and GPU usage. This can result in the device becoming sluggish, experiencing overheating, and draining the battery more rapidly.
Detection Evasion:
Some crypto mining malware employs techniques to evade detection by security software. This may include polymorphic behavior, encryption, or leveraging vulnerabilities that are not yet patched.
Advertising Click Fraud
Advertisement fraud and malicious links in the context of mobile malware can have several negative effects on individuals. Some ways this can affect a person is as follows:
Privacy Invasion:
Data Collection: Malicious advertisements and links might be designed to collect personal information without the user's consent. This information could include sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, and other personally identifiable information.
Device Performance and Battery Drain:
Malicious advertisements can consume significant device resources, leading to performance issues, increased data usage, and accelerated battery drain. This can result in a poorer user experience and additional costs for the user, especially if their data plan is affected.
Infection Chains:
Malicious links can initiate a chain reaction of infections. For example, clicking on a link might lead to the download of a malicious app, which then introduces other forms of malware onto the device.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a user's files or locks them out of their system and demands a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access. While ransomware attacks have historically been more prevalent on desktop computers, there have been instances of ransomware affecting mobile devices as well. Here's how ransomware can impact mobile devices:
Device Locking:
Some mobile ransomware variants may lock users out of their devices, displaying a ransom message on the screen and preventing access to the device's functionality.
Data Loss:
Victims of mobile ransomware may experience data loss if they are unable or unwilling to pay the ransom. This can include photos, videos, documents, and other personal or work-related files.
Social Engineering:
Mobile ransomware often uses social engineering tactics to trick users into installing malicious apps or clicking on malicious links. This can involve disguising the malware as a legitimate application or using enticing messages to lure users.
Phishing and Spoofing
Phishing and spoofing are common tactics employed by cybercriminals to deceive mobile users and compromise their sensitive information. Both techniques aim to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as login credentials or financial details.
Spoofing:
In the mobile context, spoofing can occur through fake apps, websites, or messages designed to appear as if they are from trustworthy sources. For example, a phishing message may appear to come from a legitimate bank, but the link actually leads to a fraudulent site. Spoofing attacks can then target a wide range of mobile services, including banking apps, shopping apps, email services, and more.
Phishing:
In mobile environments, phishing attacks can occur through SMS (text messages), email, social media messages, or even in-app messages. These messages may contain links that lead to fake websites designed to mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into entering their login credentials. These attacks often target users of banking apps, social media platforms, email services, and other applications that store valuable personal information.
Social Engineering:
Mobile ransomware often uses social engineering tactics to trick users into installing malicious apps or clicking on malicious links. This can involve disguising the malware as a legitimate application or using enticing messages to lure users.
Preventive Measures
To protect against mobile malware and all of the different forms of attacks, individuals and organizations should consider the following best practices:
