Warning: Fake Skype app on Android is malware
Summary: Cybercriminals have created a fake Skype app for Android that is really malware in disguise. The idea is to make money by leveraging all the hype surrounding Skype's mobile growth.
Update on July 19 - Microsoft also warns of fake Skype malware app on Android
A new piece of malware is trying to take advantage of Skype's increasing popularity, especially on mobile devices. Cybercriminals have created a fake version of the Skype for Android app, designed to earn money from unsuspecting users. Trend Micro, which first discovered the malware, is calling this particular threat JAVA_SMSSEND.AB.
The Java in the name should not surprise you, given that Android apps are primarily developed in a custom version of the programming language. Thankfully, this is not a very good fake. The app in question only runs on older (pre Software Installation Script) Symbian phones or Android devices that allow execution of Java MIDlet.
The cybercriminals behind this scheme have set up fake websites advertising fake Skype apps. Most of the sites are hosted on Russian domains (.ru) but the fake apps themselves are hosted on Nigerien domains (.ne).
The reason this is not a good fake is that instead of an .apk file (the expected package file for Android apps), users are served up with a .jar (Java MIDlet). While the app poses as an installer for Skype, what it really does is install a piece of malware. The devil is in the details: in the background, the malicious app sends expensive international text messages to earn its creators revenue.
Android lets you download and install apps from anywhere. If you want the official version of an app, however, get it from the official Google Play store. Here is the official Skype link: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skype.raider.
Update on July 19 - Microsoft also warns of fake Skype malware app on Android
See also:
- Malware charges users for free Android apps on Google Play
- Android malware families nearly quadruple from 2011 to 2012
- A first: Hacked sites with Android drive-by download malware
- Warning: Fake Biophilla app on Android is malware
- Warning: Fake Instagram app on Android is malware
- Malicious version of Angry Birds Space spotted in the wild
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Talkback
Instagram?
Fixed.
Let'e see...
What a jackwagon
So since you can't refute the facts
You are a real piece of work
Where are your "facts" or proof that Microsoft has created security issues for the competition? You don't have any do you. Either site yur facts or stop your lying. You just post attacks at Microsoft as that is all you have in your little pathetic life. Is your mom calling you...
Microosoft has a long history of doing jut that.
Do you really think,
I mean
Back to your phone line Haji
re:
The new ZDNet. It's more than a community.
@Martijn2
I believe that Jumpin Jack Flash is an Apple fan. Please don't associate such language with the open-source community.
Ok, I know who you are
Never mind, @Jumpin Jack Flash
CB and JJF
Is swami.NET, jealous?
:)
Skype is barely a Microsoft product
In fact, Skype makes a LEGIT client for Android. They'd be undermining their own product if they were to do something like that.
"Something sounds really strange about that."
Other than it's a standard tactic to try to get people to use the malware? Fake antivirus software has been doing this for years.
"If it wasn't targeting one specific OS I would believe it was indeed minor criminals"
Umm, I'd say over 90% of malware targets on PCs are Windows. This is not unusual. Windows is the largest target with an easy to access ecosystem, why go after anybody else?
Same goes with phone software: Android is a really large target, and iOS is locked down to high heaven with its software approval process. Android is the best target for malware.
"but it is sounding more like the handiwork of the largest criminal corporation on the planet (Microsoft)"
Why yes, if you don't have any good arguments, call them a "criminal corporation." Time to break out the tin foil hats.
Largest Criminal Corporation on the Planet?
You sir, are a tool not worthy of serious consideration. From now on, I will just mock your posts as the silly pablum that they are. You have been written into the loonie ledger, right under SJVN.
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