ID: IRCNE2012071561
Date: 2012-07-21
According to "zdnet", earlier this month, Trend Micro discovered a new piece of malware trying to take advantage of Skype's increasing popularity and called the threat JAVA_SMSSEND.AB. Cybercriminals had created a fake version of the Skype for Android app, designed to earn money from unsuspecting users. Now, Microsoft has caught up with the times, saying it found the threat last week, and is warning its customers about what it refers to as Trojan:Java/SMSFakeSky.A.
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).
Since Microsoft owns Skype, the software giant is making a point to underline this threat. "Just as you would when taking care of any valuable property, mobile users need to take appropriate security measures and precautions," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement before advising users to consider the following measures:
- Download your apps from only legitimate and trusted sources.
- Install an antimalware solution for your device.
- Scan apps with your regular antimalware solution on your desktop before loading them directly onto your device. (You could even use Microsoft Security Essentials for this purpose.)
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.
Related Link:
Warning: Fake Skype app on Android is malware
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