Android: This is how your microphone may be spying on you

If you are an Android user, you may be at risk of being spied on by a dangerous malware. The bug was previously linked to Turla, a Russian state-sponsored hacking group, which is known for targeting European and American systems for the purposes of spying.

Modus operandi

According to Bleeping Computers, a malicious file type used for Android applications, or APK, which is being distributed among users. It is unclear exactly how this file disguised as ‘Process Manager’ gets to be installed on Android devices. Because of its name, users could easily mistake it for part of the Android system.

You know how sometimes your phone asks you to grant it certain permissions, well, this malware is dangerously sneaky in that it asks users to grant it 18 permissions. These include access to location, camera, SMS, call logs, microphone, cameras among others.

Once the user grant these accesses, the bug is then able to gather huge volumes of data about the user. Your location, calls and messages could be easily monitored, henceforth.

Protect yourself

Researchers from Lab52 who detected the malware first believed it to be linked to a Russian group that has a history of spying on European and American systems. However, the group has come out to say there was little evidence to back this claim.

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It is advising users of Android devices to review the app permissions they have granted, revoking those that are not necessary or appear risky. Newer versions of Android also lets users know when the camera or microphone is on. If these notifications (small icons on top of the screen) do not appear on your device, it may be harbouring a spyware.