This malware steals all your photos and text messages, wreaking havoc

Please note, XLoader malware is evolving and now targets Android smartphones without requiring any user action. As this malware spreads, here are some crucial steps to protect your smartphone against this very sneaky threat.

Imagine receiving a message from a friend, or perhaps an unknown number, with a link. Curiosity piques, but this simple gesture of opening a link can be an invitation Exloader was waiting

Mainly delivered through short links, This malware Disguises itself as a legitimate app, often pretending to be Google Chrome, asking for permissions that will open the door to secret surveillance of your texts, photos, and your contact list.

Beware of XLoader, a stealth malware on Android that masquerades as Google Chrome

This revelation, discovered by McAfee researchers, indicates an alarming evolution of malware that is now targeting users in major countries such as France, but also the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, etc. The news comes as nearly 40 million users have been affected by more than 100 infected apps.

XLoader, is known for extraction capabilities

Sensitive data viz Photos, text messages and contact listsIt has become more sophisticated in the years since its debut in 2015, even expanding its reach to people on Macs.

A particularly insidious XLoader propagation method is included Sending malicious links via SMS

Victims are led to download APK files that install malware without requiring interaction.

In addition, XLoader uses Google Chrome emulation To trick victims into enabling dangerous permissions, thereby increasing its access to the infected device. Another tactic involves extracting phishing messages and Malicious URLs from Pinterest profiles To avoid detection by antivirus software.

To protect against such threats, security experts recommend taking some precautions:

• Avoid sideloading apps,
• Be suspicious of short URLs received via SMS,
• A key step is to exercise increased vigilance while permitting applications.

In addition to Google Play Protect, which is supposed to protect your Android smartphone, there are antivirus apps for Android that can potentially give you an extra layer of protection by scanning apps for this malware.

Source: McAfee