Another day, another malware threat trying to get your data.
Well, brace yourselves. Because there are viruses that have been around for a while and are getting much worse.
This app, called XLoader, is behind the photos and text on your Android device. Yes, you heard that too.
There is a risk that your precious memories and messages may be leaked by malicious software.
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What is malware?
Malware is technically any software designed to interfere with the intended target's system. Malware allows the person or entity behind the attack to access your data, exfiltrate sensitive information, block you, and take control of other aspects of your privacy and security.
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What is the XLoader malware variant?
XLoader malware, also known as MoqHao, has been targeting Android users in the United States, Europe, and Asia since 2015, according to McAfee. Once installed on your device (with much better performance), it can run in the background and retrieve sensitive data such as photos, text messages, contact lists, hardware details, etc.
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How does XLoader access my device?
One of the reasons why XLoader is such a big threat is because, unlike previous variants and other malware, it can infiltrate devices much easier than before. Malware typically gets into your device through: Phishing scam. However, it is harder for these traditional phishing scams to be effective because people are more skeptical about opening or clicking on suspicious files or links, and because there are integrated apps that can help alert you to these files. But XLoader got smart.
First, I received a text message from an unknown sender.
Like regular malware, XLoader often spreads through malicious links sent via text messages. This is a unique type of phishing scam known as 'smishing'. But scammers know that most people don't click on texts from strangers. So another way for them to be successful is to first access the following phone numbers: your Enter your number in your contacts and target you that way. If you get a text from someone you know, you probably won't think twice. Once you pass these steps, XLoader can access your Android device in two ways.
1: Click the link to download the APK file.
Next, the unsuspecting victim sees a link in a text message. The links may seem less suspicious than typical malware links because they are usually shorter, less spammy, and appear more legitimate, like they come from someone you know.
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Clicking this link will direct you to download an Android APK file (the standard file format for Android), which is used to sideload apps from outside the official Google Play Store. Therefore, this method bypasses Google's security measures and increases the risk of malware infection. This can happen within seconds, and once you click “Install,” the XLoader malware will be installed on your phone before you know it.
Once a malicious APK is downloaded and installed, XLoader can run on its own without any further action from the user, running silently in the background and performing malicious activities.
2: I tried launching the app directly but fell for the Google Chrome bait.
If you decide to run the app yourself, XLoader is already waiting for you in the guise of Google Chrome. When you click “Run,” the XLoader malware displays a very familiar Chrome pop-up, first asking you to grant permission by clicking “Allow” or “Deny.” If you click “Allow” (thinking it will take you to the “app”), you're unknowingly giving it access to SMS.
After that, you'll also see a pop-up saying “Choose Chrome to avoid spam”, giving you two options: the default SMS app or Chrome. Because these bait pop-ups completely replicate Google's style, they give users a false sense of security and trustworthiness.
Once there, it can snare photos, texts, and other sensitive data on your Android, most of the time without you even realizing it.
6 Ways to Protect Your Android from XLoader and Other Malware
Now that you know what XLoader is and how it works on your Android device, avoid clicking on unusual links in text messages. If the text is from someone in your contacts, contact that person directly (via a phone call or message in another app) and make sure they're trying to text you before clicking. Other ways to protect yourself from XLoader and other malware attempts include:
1. Avoid sideloading apps and shortened URLs. Avoid sideloading apps (installing apps from unofficial sources) and clicking on shortened URLs in messages, as these are common vectors for malware distribution.
2. Be careful about granting permissions. Be careful when granting permissions to apps. The question is whether the app actually needs access to specific device features or data.
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three. Limit the apps on your phone. Sometimes, having a lot of apps on your phone can make it easily exposed to malware. These apps can introduce malware over time, and the more apps you have to track and update, the more likely your Android will become vulnerable.
4. Download only reputable apps: Also, when you download apps, make sure they come from trustworthy and legitimate developers. Check reviews and do your research before hitting “install.”
5. Don’t ignore software updates: Your phone has ways to keep itself safe by: Software and security updates. Don't forget to do it.
6. Install good antivirus software on all your devices. The best way to protect yourself from malware like this Xloader virus is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. Having antivirus software on your device can help prevent you from clicking on potentially malicious links that could install malware on your device, giving hackers access to your personal information. Check out our picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Unfortunately, malware cannot be avoided. As we become more educated about how to prevent these threats, the hackers who create them are always looking for ways to outsmart us, while the malware itself becomes more sophisticated. This new XLoader variant is just one of them. It's currently focused on targeting Android users, but it will only be a matter of time before it starts targeting Macs and other devices.
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Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is to stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and make sure your device has good antivirus protection. Also, continue to follow best practices to protect yourself from suspicious links and downloads.
How stressed are you these days due to malware like XLoader or other types of viruses trying to steal your data? Should more be done to stop these scammers? Please let us know by sending a letter to: Cyberguy.com/Contact Us
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