INDIA: A dangerous new malware called ‘Daam’ is wreaking havoc on Android phones, infiltrating call records, stealing passwords, and compromising sensitive data. In response, the government has issued a warning to raise awareness about this menacing threat.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the country’s national cybersecurity agency, has released an advisory outlining the risks associated with the ‘Daam’ malware.
This malicious software can bypass antivirus programs, making it challenging to detect and remove. It often spreads through third-party websites or applications downloaded from untrusted sources.
Once the ‘Daam’ virus infects an Android phone, it evades security measures and gains unauthorized access to various device components.
These components include call records, contacts, browsing history, and even the camera. The malware can also deploy ransomware, which locks the device and demands a ransom for its release.
The government advisory highlights that the ‘Daam’ virus can hack into call records and manipulate phone call recordings, access the camera, modify device passwords, steal text messages, and even download and upload files.
It further warns that the stolen data may be transmitted to a remote command-and-control server, threatening users’ privacy and security.
To safeguard against such threats, CERT-In recommends taking precautions. Users should avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links.
It is essential to keep antivirus software up-to-date to enhance device security. The advisory advises users to exercise caution when dealing with unknown phone numbers, as scammers often mask their identities using email-to-text services.
Legitimate SMS messages from banks usually display a sender ID containing the bank’s short name rather than a phone number.
In addition, users are urged to be extra vigilant while handling shortened URLs, such as those containing ‘bitly’ or ‘tinyurl’ hyperlinks.
These URLs may redirect to malicious websites, putting users at risk of malware infections. Android users can significantly reduce their vulnerability to the ‘Daam’ malware and similar threats by following these recommended precautions.
Protecting personal information and maintaining the security of their devices should be a top priority in today’s digital landscape.
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