
All the apps had unassuming names like "Cleaner", "Backup", or "Sound Recorder" Google said.
Google Play Protect detected Lipizzan in 20 different apps that had been distributed in a targeted fashion to fewer than 100 devices.
The malware, dubbed Lipizzan, includes references in its code to Israeli start-up Equus Technologies, which claims on a sparse LinkedIn page to develop "tailor made innovative solutions for law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and national security organizations".
Google recently took down 20 professionally developed malicious Android apps that were capable of spying on a target's location and messages.
"Upon installation, Lipizzan would download and load a second "license verification" stage, which would survey the infected device and validate certain abort criteria".
If the device gets the green light the malware will root it with known exploits and exfiltrate data to a C&C server, Google explained.
IN officer dies after shot multiple times
That person and a second occupant, who was injured in the crash, were taken the hospital and were being held there by the police. A Southport Police Department officer has been shot along Madison Avenue in a residential area in southern Marion County.
In that second stage, it could take screenshots and photos, steal user data on contacts and files, record calls, monitor location, and even record from the device microphone.
The data collected was able to be accessed from apps including Gmail, Hangouts, LinkedIn, Skype, and Snapchat, as well as collecting messages sent and received by Whatsapp, Telegram, and Viber, which encrypt data in an attempt to make it hard for attackers to intercept messages while their are travelling to their destination.
The spyware was able to bypass Google's Bouncer security system by splitting into two stages.
Google blocked the first set of Lipizzan apps, but even then new versions were uploaded within a week of the takedown; this time created to look like apps including notepads, sound recorders and alarm managers. The new apps were uploaded within a week of the takedown, showing that the authors have a method of easily changing the branding of the implant apps. It had caught hold of one such malware and dealt with it before it could cause major havoc and as a subsequent result has also launched the Google Play protect security feature to insulate users from any such nasty malwares.
Back in April, researchers at Google discovered an Android malware, called Chrysaor, that could give an attacker remote control of the infected device.
The availability of multiple app stores to Android users, and the less stringent app review process, have contributed to the rise in malware in Google's mobile ecosystem.
Related News:
-
Amazon's Q2 sales up 25% to $38bn
The cloud division of Amazon reported a 42 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous year, although profits were flat. The company also forecast an operating income of US$300 million to a loss of US$400 million for the current quarter.Republican lawmakers rally around Sessions as Trump intensifies pressure
Dianne Feinstein, Calif., the ranking Democrat of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, "What's happening is just bad ". John McCain, R-Ariz., wondered "How we can stop the president from firing the people he appointed I don't know".Antonio Conte questions Tottenham's Premier League title ambitions
Conte praised Tottenham's progress but stressed it was easier for them to develop talent due to their lower expectations. But Conte , who led Chelsea to the title last season, added: "If [Spurs] don't win the title, it's not a tragedy". -
Bravo waiting for Sanchez 'with open arms' at Manchester City
The Gunners managed to end the season on a high note after a 2-1 win against Premier League champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final. The forward, who is pictured wearing a scarf while indoors, uploaded a photograph on Instagram alongside his dog.Samsung Pay might be heading to non-Samsung phones
The favourable reception of Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus has indeed translated into good n terms of sales and profits . The most impressive fact is that Samsung's mobile division estimated for 29 percent of the company's profits this year.Inder Kumar, Salman Khan's 'Wanted' Co-Star, Dies At 43
In his whole career, Inder Kumar had worked in 21 movies and now was working for a movie too. The cremation is scheduled to be held at Yaari Road, Shamshaan Bhoomi on Friday at 6 pm. -
Citizenship scandal: Pauline Hanson's older sister may replace One Nation's Malcolm Roberts
But he said it took months of badgering to get Britain to confirm his status and that did not happen till well after the election. Roberts, from Queensland, was born in India to a Welsh father and Australian mother.BJP Office Allegedly Attacked by CPI(M) Activists in Thiruvananthapuram, Workers Vandalise Houses
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should explain and order a probe into "conspiracy of police officials in the attack", he said. A number of clashes broke out between CPM and BJP workers on Thursday late night in Thiruvananthapuram .Twitter, Inc. (TWTR) Rating Reiterated by Cowen and Company
The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Canaccord Genuity reissued a "hold" rating and set a $15.00 target price on shares of Twitter in a research note on Monday. -
For Namaz, Nitish Kumar Cuts Trust Vote Speech To 12 Minutes
Only last week, India's Central Bureau of Investigation had conducted raids at the premises of Lalu and Misa in Delhi and Patna . Everything will now depend on the number of mistakes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP make in the next two years.Scaramucci appears to finger Priebus for 'leak' of financial information
The message reflects in part an intensifying effort by the White House to crack down on unauthorized disclosures of information. It was filed due to Scaramucci's role at the Export-Import Bank and Politico obtained it by request.Shania Twain Shines in New 'Life's About to Get Good' Video
The album is the long-awaited follow-up to 2002's Up! " Life's About to Get Good " makes you believe every word from the singer. He "really loved this one particularly, he responded so enthusiastically to it", she tells Taste of Country Nights .