Telegram Terror: Android Phones Infected by SMS-Stealing Malware in Global Campaign
Malicious Telegram bots are running amok, distributing SMS-stealing malware on Android devices. Zimperium researchers have been tracking this campaign, which uses 2,600 bots to promote fake APKs. The malware targets over 600 services, capturing OTPs and causing financial chaos, primarily in India and Russia. Talk about a bot-astrophe!
Hot Take:
It turns out your phone number is more valuable than you thought, especially to a bunch of Telegram bots with a side hustle in identity theft. If only they were this good at customer service…
Key Points:
- Thousands of Telegram bots are spreading SMS-stealing malware to Android devices globally.
- Researchers have tracked the campaign since February 2022, identifying over 107,000 malware samples.
- Malicious APKs are distributed via fake Google Play pages and Telegram bots offering pirated apps.
- Infected devices are used for authentication and anonymization, impacting victims in India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and the USA.
- Malware captures OTPs and other sensitive SMS data, ultimately leading to financial and legal troubles for victims.
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