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Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) has issued an advisory, warning users against a new Android virus that is out on the streets. Named as Android/SmsSend, this virus affects Android smartphones and steals personal information including sensitive data such as passwords.
Scroll further to read more about this mobile virus.

What is Android/SmsSend?

Android/SmsSend is a newly detected Trojan virus that affects Android smartphones.

What does this Virus do?

Once inside an Android device, the virus can perform the following malicious and illegal activities:

• Sends text messages to numbers on the victim’s contact list. These messages most likely contain a link to download the virus itself, or to other threats.

• Sends text messages to premium rate numbers that can lead to high telephone bills.

Steals basic information of the infected device such as:

1. IMEI number
2. Device ID
3. Device type

• Android/SmsSend is also capable of installing spyware on the infected device, which in turn, can spy on what the user does on their phone.
• The virus can also steal sensitive information such as:

1. Pictures
2. Passwords
3. Banking information

• The notoriety level of this virus goes up to a level where it can also track the device’s location, access text messages, crash the affected device, and even disable any firewall protection.

How does Android/SmsSend Spread?

The main source of this Android malware are unofficial, third party app stores.

What Should You Do to Avoid this Malware?

1. Download apps only from trusted, official stores such as Google Play.
2. Always check for permissions before installing an app. For instance, if a Flash Light app asks for your permission to use Internet or view your contacts or media, then avoid installing it.
3. Do not click links in unknown and unexpected emails.
4. Avoid clicking links in text messages from unknown senders. Even if the link seems to have sent by someone you know, verify it first before acting on it.
5. Get a reliable mobile security app that performs real-time virus scan as soon as an application is installed on a device.
6. Use the device encryption feature that is available in Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 and above. Encrypting your device will prevent a hacker from misusing your data even if they get access to it.
7. Never log on to any website while using public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
8. Regularly back up your device’s important files and keep them safe.

How does Quick Heal help?

Quick Heal mobile security app detects and blocks this Android malware from affecting your device or its data.


If you come across any incident that is related to the {Android Smssend} virus or any other malware, please do leave your comments below.

Source:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
gadgets.ndtv.com
http://ibnlive.in.com