Practically every day a new security problem is known that affects users of the Android operating system. Sometimes with more serious errors than others and this time we have to worry, because the privacy of our data and files could be in question if the Phone Spy virus manages to sneak into our mobile.
The Labs research team has found this virus that manages to infect users without our being aware of it. It is hidden in at least 23 applications, although the list could continue to grow. This is its entry method, because once we install the app and grant the permissions, the virus camouflages itself in the system.
This is how the threat works
These are the infected applications , of which the name has not been released, but the icon that represents them has been released. We share the image that may be enough to know if it is on your mobile phone. A series of apps that have already been made known to Google to remove them from the application store.
Once these apps enter the mobile, they have the ability to run in the background even without being open. This allows them to function without being suspicious and without leaving any trace on the system. With full access to the device, they only have to copy data from the phone, such as calls, text messages, photos and other files that can be even more competitive as audio recordings.
Although the thing does not stop here, it is also capable of taking photos autonomously and modifying elements of the mobile phone, making us lose memories. With all these files, afterwards, they will try to blackmail users and get them to pay to recover them.
What can we do to protect ourselves?
To prevent this virus capable of stealing our data from affecting us, we must first try to locate one of the icons mentioned on our mobile phone and, if present, uninstall it immediately. As that will not be enough, we will have to extract all the photos and files, and then restore the mobile completely and then yes, the virus will be eliminated. Something that we will do from Settings> System> Reset.
In case it is not on our mobile, we have to rely on the main security criteria so that we do not encounter problems like this through these tips:
- Do not install apps from unknown sources.
- Use Google Play Protect.
- Uninstall everything we don’t use.
- Grant the essential permissions to apps.
- Keep the mobile updated to be protected.
