Beware, Android malware NotCompaitable is back in action

Recently, Android smartphones worldwide are said to be affected new virus, NotCompaitable. As many of you may have heard of this malware before and this is not a new virus. This is an improved and dangerous version of NotCompaitable which first appeared in 2012. In this third version, the creators behind the bug have rewritten the code and that makes it harder to defeat. In this modern world, people spend more of their time with smartphones and tablets rather than using desktops. Activations of new Android devices per day are increasing at a huge rate which the hackers are well aware of. So this makes them aim to Android as well as iOS platforms.

The newer version of NotCompaitable found is as complex as malwares found in computers. The virus is being spread by spam and through various download sites that are hijacked. Mobile security firm Lookout reported that the new version is much more stable and uses end-to-end encryption, peer-to-peer networking and stealthy operating procedures which makes it hard to detect. The phones that enabled to install apps from unknown sources are more exposed to this threat. If you happen to land on an infected website while browsing with your phone browser, a file 'update.apk' will be downloaded and installed automatically. The phone may pops a notification for a security update. If the user grants permission, thinking that its just a normal security update, the virus will gain full control over your device. The phones affected are found to be sending spam emails, buying tickets on bulk, attacking blogs etc

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The rate of mobile malwares are rising as more time being spent on hand-held devices. They are normally spread through apps and games whose apk files are repacked with files that harm the device. Wirelurker, Masque, Dendroid etc are just three of a variety of malwares released worldwide. Android being an open source project, makes it less secure, especially the devices that have root access. In one way or the other, this just motivates the cyber criminals. They are keen to get access to other devices so that the user's data can be acquired without his consent or knowledge. This sensitive data can be used for various uses. Hackers can sell the data, use it for sending phishing emails or even get access to victim's bank account. It has been found that 70 percent of people reuses the password across different sites so it also helps hackers to access victim's social accounts.

How not to get affected ?

Always try to follow these simple steps while using your phone. Following these strictly will be an annoyance but what if you get a phone bill of $500 for bad SMS calls or lost $2000 from your bank account because your credit card details got stolen from your phone? I’d prefer getting annoyed with following some of these rules.

• Never Root/Jailbreak your smartphone if you are not much aware of it. Rooting may allow you to Superuser access but also strips away some essential security features.
• Only download apps from trusted app stores like Google Play, Amazon or 1Mobile but try to stick with Google Play.
• Be cautious when allowing permissions to the installed app.
• Try not to install cracked apps and games. These files may be repacked with harmful contents.
• Use an antivirus program in your phone. TrusttGo, LookOut, Norton are recommended.
• Try to update your phone software to latest version.
• Don’t use Banking and other private apps on public WiFi.