Jeff Chiu/PATechnology security experts are warning Android users that their mobile devices could be at risk to hackers.
Security firm Heimdal are warning that opening a link delivered to phones via text message could provide hackers with complete control of a victim’s phone.
According to Heimdal the message reads:
You have received a multimedia message from +[country code] [sender number] Follow the link http: //www.mmsforyou [.] Net / mms.apk to view the message.
The firm added:
Attackers can:
Open a backdoor into Android smartphones, to monitor and control them as they please; Send SMS messages to premium channel numbers, seriously increasing the victim’s phone bill; Read SMS messages, which means they can also read authentication codes sent as part of two-factor authentication mechanisms, used also by online banking apps and ecommerce websites; Use their full access to Android phones to basically manipulate the device to do whatever they want.
To secure your handset there a a number of steps Heimdal are advising users to follow:
1) Don’t click on suspicious links received in SMS or MMS messages.
2) Go to settings, then security, and switch off the option to allow apps from unknown sources to be installed.
3) Install antivirus for Android.
4) Avoid unsecured and unknown Wi-Fi connections.
5) Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
6) Remain cautious as prevention is better than the cure.
Follow those steps and you should be alright.
