Beware of ‘Dendroid Virus’, Android under Attack

“Beware of Dendroid Virus” CERT-In warning:

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) have sent an alert to Android users to beware of ‘Dendroid Virus’ a deadly malware. This malicious application loaded with Remote Application Toolkit (RAT) completely compromises the android devices.

The virus from the Trojan family. Once activated on the device takes over the command and control server of your android device. The Dendroid takes total control of the device and can pictures. It can record sound and videos too.

Google Play allows its app on its store after being screened. Dendroid virus has however bypassed even Google’s malware detection. Google has removed one app that was found to be carrying the virus. The Dendroid virus is out in the black market on sale for US $300. The money is accepted in crypto currencies like the Bitcoin and Litecoin as well. The author has even claimed that the virus is designed keeping in mind the Google play security features.

Experts have diagnosed it to be working like the more sophisticated botnets. It has a administration command panel and control interface. The virus sends all the information like contacts, photos and videos to a remote location. It can perform tasks on your device by executing remote commands without user knowing about it.

Threats posed by Dendroid:

• Upload Pictures from the target device to a remote location.
• Unknowingly take pictures or record audio and video recordings.
• Upload web browser history and saved bookmarks.
• Send or block SMS received from target device.
• Upload contact book to remote server.
• Record calls.
• Manage Call Logs, even delete them.

How to Safeguard your device from Dendroid Virus:

The malware may go un-noticed by many of the anti virus and security system as it has just made the interception. So the best way to safeguard your device against “Dendroid” is prevention.

To prevent your device from the malware:

• Do not download and install app’s from untrusted websites.
• Go to Settings->Security and uncheck Unknown Sources, so that your phone does not allow installation of non-market apps.

• Beware while visiting unsolicited websites.
• Don’t download android patches from unknown sources.
• Avoid using Unsecured WiFi hotspots.
• Keep a watch on data usage to monitor if your data is over consumed than you normally do use.
• It would be better to avoid going on rampage of downloading games and application for your android till a final solution is found to kill the Dendroid virus.

As we have learned in school “Prevention is better than Cure” thus take precaution rather being careless in your usage.

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