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Researchers discover the world’s most sophisticated Android Trojan

Published Jun 7th, 2013 11:45PM EDT
Android Backdoor Trojan Discovered

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As the prevalence of Android malware grows, its sophistication is naturally growing as well. Kaspersky researcher Roman Unuchek writes that he and his team recently stumbled upon a new Android Trojan that he calls the most sophisticated one he’s ever seen. What makes this Trojan, dubbed “Backdoor.AndroidOS.Obad.a,” so bad? Unuchek says that it’s a “multi-functional Trojan” capable of “sending SMS to premium-rate numbers; downloading other malware programs, installing them on the infected device and/or sending them further via Bluetooth; and remotely performing commands in the console.”

What’s more, the researcher says that although “malware writers typically try to make the codes in their creations as complicated as possible… it is rare to see concealment as advanced as Odad.a’s in mobile malware.” In other words, it sounds like the everything bagel of Android malware: Not only can it perform multiple malicious functions, but it’s enormously complex to dissect as well.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.