Hackers are using a fake Android app named ‘SafeChat’ to infect devices with spyware malware that steals call logs, texts, and GPS locations from phones.

The Android spyware is suspected to be a variant of “Coverlm,” which steals data from communication apps such as Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger.

  • sramder@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I always chuckled at my Android friends having to run AV software on their phones, but then we got Pegasus and it got harder to be smug… then the shenanigans from “legitimate” devs like Über and Tencent. It doesn’t seem like blindly trusting Apple was a great idea anymore.

    • I am become Noodle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      1 year ago

      It never was. Read Apple’s true privacy agreement on their website. It’s the one you agree to but don’t read when you boot up your shiny new mac or iphone for the first time. They are no different from Microsoft or Google, they are just the best at cultivating an image.

      • Tangent5280@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Prepare yourself for the downvote train approaching at near lightspeed. People cannot fathom how a for profit corporation might do anything they have to to increase profit.

        • I am become Noodle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          1 year ago

          It’s OK. Downvotes don’t matter too badly here.

          I’d say Apple being a lifestyle brand means the users aren’t going to have privacy as a primary concern is the real reason behind this. And it’s hard to get out of the walled garden once you’re in.

    • noodlejetski@geddit.social
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      1 year ago

      Android friends having to run AV software on their phones

      which does nothing, because even IF the “antivirus” detects malware, it has no privileges necessary to remove it.

      • sramder@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Still a good first step… I always figured Android AV was more for people who already had a rooted phone?

        • Björn Tantau@swg-empire.de
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          1 year ago

          Anti virus software on a smartphone makes as much sense as on a PC. Eg none at all. You just increase the attack surface for some warm fuzzy feelings.