Find out how abstractmu malware can take control of your phone and how to protect it, its IP address and data.

A new Android malware can get root access to your smartphones

A new threat is watching users of Android smartphones.Indeed, formidable malware, called abstractu, is able to take control of your phones.

Once on the smartphone, it is able to rooting, that is to say to become "super administrator", which can add or remove applications and functions of the manufacturer, for example.If you still doubted it, this threat reminds us once again the importance of protecting oneself effectively from all forms of cybercrime.

What is a malware?

The word malware is a term of English origin which combines the words "malicious" and "software", therefore malicious and software.It is therefore the term to designate malware.This kind of tool is designed by malicious people to infiltrate your device (computer, tablet, telephone) without your knowledge.Once installed, he will be able to deploy his particular attack: block your device, steal data, etc..

There are many types of malware and adware, viruses, boots, rootkits, spyware, computer horses or ransomware are also part of malware.All computer viruses are malware, but, on the other hand, all malware are not automatically viruses.In fact, viruses are only part of the types of malware and some malware do not have the contagion of viruses.

Malware almost always works on the same principle.Either the user downloads it or installs it unwittingly, or the malware is worn by another vector (another software or a file).Once in the device, malware, which is a program, runs.

Almost all malware infections lead when a user error or inadvertently perform an action that will allow downloading the malicious software.This is particularly the case during a click on a link in an email or on a button on a malicious website.Peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P), free software download, installing certain applications can also have the same consequences.

Then the malware will block your device to claim a ransom in the case of ransomware;or steal confidential data or simply destroy parts of your computer or smartphone.

How is "abstract" different?

Lookout's digital security experts recently reported that they had discovered a new Android malware.This has the capacity to root the smartphones he contaminates, that is to say to take total control of it by becoming an administrator.Remotely, a cybercriminal can then make everything he wants: make calls, communicate data, send spam and much more.This type of malicious software is quite rare, but the consequences can be devastating.

This malware is appointed abstractumu, and it is broadcast with Android applications that can be found on platforms like Google Play, the Amazon AppStore, the Samsung Galaxy Store and on other unofficial third -party stores.

In total, 19 applications propagate abstract malware.Among these, only one is available in free download on Google Play Store: it is Lite Launcher, already downloaded more than 10,000 times.

The particularity of abstractmu malware is to be able to execute five exploits which are specifically aimed at old Android safety flaws.They allow malware to root the phone completely and take control of it.

When abstractmu mulware has the hand on the smartphone, it obtains privileges which allow it to collect a good number of data like:

It appears according to the first investigations carried out on this malware that its creators come from a "group well endowed with resources and financially motivated".Their intentions are not very clear for the moment, but there are similarities with malware or spyware like Vultur or Mandrake and banking horses which mainly aim at data related to money transfer applications oronline account management.

What is certain currently is that the applications that include this malware are as follows:

But, it is possible that other applications, not yet detected or not yet contaminated, can house the malware in question.

In any case, rooting or jailbreak of Android or iOS devices remain means to completely compromise a mobile device.Indeed, they are perfect tools to exploit for cybercriminals, because they have countless features and contain a huge amount of sensitive data.Rooting then gives cybercriminals a total control of the devices, leaving them, with impunity, to achieve their ends.

How to protect your Android phone from malware?

The use of an Android phone must be accompanied by prudence at all times.It goes without saying that you should not download unknown parts, click on links in dubious emails or download uncompromising applications.

But, this elementary prudence is not enough.It is strongly recommended today to use a real safety tool for your phone: a VPN service.

Not only will a VPN encrypt all the data you exchange on the internet and it will therefore be illegible, but it will also strengthen your anonymity.There is, in fact, something that distinguishes you from the internet and is sort of signature: this is your IP address.However, a VPN masks your real IP address and attributes another.

But, before going further, do you know what an IP address?

The so -called Internet protocol address also called IP address is a chain of digital values that is given to each device or device (a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a printer) as soon as it is connected to a computer network using theInternet protocol.This address has two essential functions: one to send communications, the other to uniquely identify the device used.

We can easily understand that each user of the Internet (or at least their device) can be said: my IP is my most precious identification on the network and I must absolutely protect my IP.

You are surely wondering what is my IP address and how to find my IP address?Finding an IP address is very simple.On a PC with Windows, the network and sharing center gives you this information in "Connection to the local network".It is also possible to type the "IPCONFIG" command in a command prompt window.With MacOS, knowing my IP address is just as easy: it is in the "System Preferences" menu that you will find the "Network" submenu.Then your IP address is then at the top right of the information given by clicking on "active connection".

As a VPN allows you to access a network of remote servers, your connection therefore no longer appears under your IP address.So when you connect with VPN on the Internet, the connection first goes through this server.This one has an IP address.My IP address is then hidden since all the connection after the server is made under the cover of its IP address.Thus, my IP is completely hidden and invisible in the eyes of pirates or malicious sites.

A VPN, like an antivirus, and healthy and cautious practices are therefore the best ways to protect your smartphone from malware.Its use, in particular when accessing a public Wi-Fi network will be imperative.If, moreover, the user is attentive to click or download only safe sources, he can then be quiet and should avoid most of the malware or ransomware attacks which are unfortunately more and more common on the internet.

The writing of CNews did not participate in the realization of content.