A previously discovered threat for Android which was dealt with two years has once again reared its ugly head – the malware, then known as ‘NotCompatible’ has returned under the NotCompatible.c – the main difference between the original and version c is that those employing it are using new tactics that seem to be taking the mobile virus world by storm.
NotCompatible.c uses networking features such as peer-to-peer information transfer and a host of other clever software tricks to gain access to big networks, as well as private ones, within companies – using compromised Android devices.
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Any network the device connects to is a potential target – the intrusion is unblockable by networking security as well, due to the P2P nature of the virus.
Another reason the virus is so advanced for a piece of mobile malware is the level of encryption on traffic between the infected phone and the target network that is sent by the malware – it’s encryption is of a high enough level that the software on the target network can’t differentiate between the normal jumble of traffic it gets and the malware’s. Again, this covers NotCompatible.c’s tracks nicely.
The distribution method of NotCompatible.c is decidedly old however, and this is where the virus is weakest – it doesn’t manipulate any security loopholes to get on your phone, it simply requires the user to click a bogus link from their smartphone’s browser – the same old tried and tested ‘phishing’ tactic we’ve seen on PC malware for years.
This of course means websites and e-mail companies may eb able to eventually neutralize the virus by identifying the bogus links and their destinations – but, along with recent iOS viruses, NotCompatible.c’s infection method and advanced features are telling of a virus trend that’s starting to take mobile very seriously.
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You can still stay safe by not clicking strange links from e-mails, even when on your mobile – that’s just common sense, but the people at lookout.com, who tracked down NotCompatible.c are worried that this may just be the beginning and the virus will establish a trend as malware makers try to outdo each other on mobile.
“NotCompatible.C has set a new bar for mobile malware sophistication and operational complexity. This malware is a prime example of how mobile malware complexity is advancing and is borrowing technical tactics already seen in PC malware.”
– Lookout Incorporated, recent blog entry (full post below)
We will continue to urge users on any e-mail or internet platform to take care when clicking links – all it takes it one misguided click and you might have yourself a virus. Stay safe, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Via: Techspot
Source: Lookout