Beware of the new malware originating from Russia that can wipe clean your phone data

The Android phone malware supposedly takes root on your device and erases the device’s storage. It’s called the Mazar Bot malware that has many hidden capabilities, ‘that security researchers are calling it a dangerous malware that can turn your smartphone into a zombie inside hacker’s botnet.’ Mazar is usually a link that comes embedded in a spam SMS or MMS message. When the user clicks the link, the malware downloads and when run, prompts you to install an application.

The generic name ‘MMS Messaging’ can trick the user to giving root access to the malicious download. Mazar Bot can also download ‘a legitimate TOR (The Onion Router) Android app on your smartphone and install it too, even without your consent or permission.’  Once inside the device, it sends out a ‘Thank you’ message to a phone number in Iran. The malware is also capable of getting a proxy and using that to track the victim’s traffic and execute a Man-in-the-Middle attack.

Recommendations to prevent the Mazar Bot attack:

1. Do not click on links embedded in your SMS texts
2. On ‘Security Settings’, turn off ‘Allow installations of apps from sources….’
3. Update your software so the anti-virus is current
4. Keep Wi-Fi turned off

Source: The Hacker News

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