Beware! This virus can steal your phone data and hack cameras
May 26, 2023 8:05 p.m. 2 minutes reading time
A new Android malware Daam can steal your phone data and hack cameras
A new Android malware that has the potential to infect phones and steal sensitive data such as call records, contacts, history and cameras is reportedly spreading and attacking smartphones, according to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in his latest recommendation. The horrifying new malware called “Daam” virus is also capable of “bypassing antivirus programs,” CERT-In said.
Why is this story important?
According to CERT-In, “Daam” virus has some additional features that can be distributed via third party websites or applications and spread ransomware on the targeted devices. The agency, which fights cyberattacks and protects cyberspace, advised people not to visit “untrustworthy websites” or click on “untrustworthy links” in unsolicited emails and text messages.
“Daam” is an Android malware that uses the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption algorithm to encrypt files on the victim’s device in order to gain control and steal data. Once it reaches the targeted device, it deletes other files from the local storage, leaving behind only the encrypted files with the “.enc” extension and a ransom note that says “readme_now.txt,” according to CERT-In.
How can “Daam” affect Android smartphones?
According to the agency, once installed on the device, the malware bypasses the device’s security check and starts stealing sensitive data and permissions, such as passwords. Reading history and bookmarks, canceling background processing, reading call logs, etc., CERT-In further claimed that “Daam” is able to hack phone call records, contacts, cameras, change device passwords, capture screenshots, SMS steal, download/upload files, etc.
How can you protect your device from malware?
Below are some rules of conduct recommended by the Central Authority to avoid contracting such viruses and malware: Avoid browsing “untrustworthy websites” or clicking on “untrustworthy links”. Install and maintain updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Watch out for “suspicious phone numbers”. Be wary of shortened URLs, such as those with “bitly” and “tinyurl” hyperlinks like “http://bit.ly/”, “\nbit.ly”, and “tinyurl.com/”.
